Joseph Paul Bellanca

Joseph Paul Bellanca was born on November 25, 1936, in Rochester, New York, to Salvatore (Sam) and Anna Bellanca. A proud first-generation American, he carried with him the legacy of courageous grandparents who immigrated from Sicily and shaped the values that defined his life: hard work, family, and faith.

In 1964, he married Joy Eleanor Gaston, with whom he shared 34 loving years and raised three daughters; Victoria Gordon (Kerry), Lizabeth Wilbur (David), and Lorraine Thacker (Chad). He enjoyed his eight grandchildren; Jackson Gordon (Annie), Haley Kelley (Conor), Madison Gordon, Abby Wilbur, Gabe Wilbur, Jamison Thacker, Caroline Thacker, and Eliza Mae Thacker. Additionally, he loved seeing his three great-grandchildren; Tierna and Thomas Kelley and Arabella Joyce Gordon. He was endlessly proud of his family and saw them as the truest testament to the brave journey his ancestors made in pursuit of a better life in America. After Joy’s passing in 1997, he later married Linda K. Jenkins (deceased) of Texas, and they made their home in Johns Creek, Georgia. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 2022 to be closer to family.

A Purdue University graduate and licensed Professional Engineer in 11 states, Joe led a distinguished career in civil engineering, working across 34 countries and overseeing landmark infrastructure projects, including the historic $12 billion Saudi Arabian airport program from 1979–1984. He survived coups, typhoons, and war zones, but his heart always remained with his family, despite the sacrifices his career demanded. Joe was a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Life Member of the Purdue Alumni Association, and a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Above all, he remained deeply grateful for the opportunities he was given and worked tirelessly to honor the sacrifices of those who came before him.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (204.879.3401) in Homewood.