Carmen Louis Bellanca

Carmen Louis Bellanca left this world on March 8, 2026, at the remarkable age of 93. He was born in Lowellville, Ohio on November 15, 1932, and showed us all the meaning of 'una vita bella', a beautiful life.

He graduated from Struthers High School in 1950 and Youngstown State University in 1954 with a Chemistry degree, making science look easy.

Carmen is survived by the love of his life, Aurora, whom he met when they were just 13. They built a big, lively family together: children Michael Bellanca, Mary DeLater (Dave), Lisa Benitez (Walter), and Luann Snyder; grandchildren Allie and Andrew Bellanca, Dylan DeLater (Brittany), Hallie DeLater (Kyle), Alex Brito (Ashley), Chris, Wally and Carmen Benitez, Grant, Jake, and Josh Snyder; and great grandchildren Ava and Annie Brito, and Henry DeLater. A great big Italian family, just the way Carmen and Aurora like it.

Carmen loved sports with the enthusiasm of someone who never really aged. A longtime runner, he completed his first of three marathons at age 60. Retirement did not slow him down as he bowled and played senior softball, always playing center field as he was the fastest runner on his team. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in sports, and he always had a few coaching tips to share.

He cheered on the Cleveland Browns, through every heartbreak, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the University of Dayton Flyers basketball team. If there was a game on, he was watching and analyzing it and took great joy sharing those games with his beloved son and grandsons.

His career brought him to Dayton, first to Inland Manufacturing GMC, then to Monsanto Research, and eventually to Protective Treatments Inc., which later became HB Fuller Co. He worked hard, made friends everywhere, and left his mark on all who met him.

In retirement, he filled his days volunteering at Incarnation Church, continuing his athletic pursuits, and preparing taxes for seniors. An avid reader, Carmen devoured books and was an almost weekly visitor to the public library. Most importantly, he and his beloved Aurora continued their journey, as always, hand in hand.

Carmen lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired those around him with his kindness and integrity. He will be missed, but his legacy and spirit will keep on running laps around all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Leonard Catholic Church, Incarnation Church or Hospice of Dayton.

Visitation will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429, on March 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Church of the Incarnation, 55 Williamsburg Ln, Dayton, OH 45459, on March 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Miami Valley Memory Gardens, 1639 East Lytle-Five Points Rd, Centerville, OH 45458, on March 16, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm.