Dr. William Daniel Bellavia

Dr. William D. Bellavia, age 73, passed away at his home in Clermont FL after a long struggle with cancer. William was born on June 10, 1944 to William J. and Lucy (DeJoe) Bellavia in Jamestown, NY. He married the love of his life and his best friend, Marilyn (Brunacini) Bellavia, on August 14, 1965 and enjoyed every moment of their 52 years together.

William was a graduate of Jamestown High School, and Jamestown Community College, on his way to graduating from the Dental School at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1968. He went on to practice General Dentistry in Medina, NY until 2001 when he retired due to health issues. During his career as a Dentist he published seven original research papers, was awarded two patents, earned his Master’s Degree in the Academy of General Dentistry and was a member of the Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery.

He was a long time member of the Yates Baptist Church in Lyndonville, NY, serving in many leadership roles. Together with his wife he taught children’s church and led other youth programs, changing the lives of dozens of young people by their work. Upon moving to Florida he found great love and fellowship at The First Baptist Church of Clermont, FL. After retirement, he continued to remain active in his community and church by publishing op-eds in many newspapers and writing several books concerning denominational and theological issues. He also maintained an active political and theological blog site that blessed many people over the years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, racket sports, gardening and target shooting. He fondly remembered his time as a youngster playing with his cousins and siblings. His greatest joy was found in the family he created and raised with his wife Marilyn. They were a match made in heaven and they gave all they could to raising their four sons.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William J and Lucy Bellavia. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Brunacini) Bellavia, his sons, Daniel (Betsy) Bellavia, Rand (Erin) Bellavia, Timothy (Dino) Bellavia, and David (Deanna) Bellavia; his grandchildren Scott (Annie), Chris, John, Evan, James, Aiden, and Vivienne; his great grandchildren Gabe and Hudson; his siblings Jane (Robert, deceased) Mihalko, Salvatore (Margaret) Bellavia, Sandra (Paul) Spitale, and many other members of his family and many dear friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on January 2, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Clermont, 498 W. Montrose St. Clermont, FL, 34711. The service will begin at 11:00 am with the family receiving guests at 10:00. Another celebration of life service will be held in Yates Baptist Church in Lyndonville, NY at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the Bellavia family would like donations to be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care.