Russell J. Bellone, Aurora, Colorado, died peacefully on May 3rd, 2012 in Colorado with his wife, Judy, stepdaughter Sarah, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Madelyn and Isaac, and sister-in-law Ellen by his side. Russell was born on June 21, 1923 to Giuseppi and Pasqualina Bellone in Rockford, Illinois. He served in the Army during World War II where he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. He graduated from IIT in Chicago, IL and worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Barber Coleman in Rockford until he retired in 1995. He and Judy moved to Colorado in 2009 to be near family and grandchildren. He loved traveling to the mountains to enjoy the scenery.
Russ was an avid target shooter and also loved to vacation in northern Wisconsin where he had built a cottage on a beautiful lake. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of 24 years, stepdaughter Sarah (Brian) Smith, and grandchildren Madelyn and Isaac of Denver, CO, stepson Jason Gelling of Bakersfield CA. Also survived by daughter Lisa (Craig) Maloney and granddaughter Bethany of Texas, son Mark (Sue) Bellone, and grandchildren Jessica, Marcus, and Aurora of Machesney Park, Illinois, his favorite sister Rose Matranga and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by parents Giuseppi and Pasqualina, brothers George, Frank, John, Sam, Chris and sisters Anna and Vita. He is remembered with love by his extended family and many friends. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Parker Adventist Hospital and Denver Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Russ. Also, a very special thank you to Lary Field in Caledonia, Illinois for his friendship with Russ.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 17th at Sunset Funeral Home in Machesney Park, Illinois from 5pm - 8pm.
On Friday, May 18th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois there will be a visitation from 9-10am, followed by a funeral Mass at 10am. An inurnment at Calvary Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois will follow the Mass. A luncheon will be held after the interment at Holy Family Church at 12:30pm.
A memorial fund has been setup in Russ' name. If you would like to make a donation to the Russell J. Bellone Memorial Fund, you can visit [http://www.gofundme.com/russellbellone] Proceeds will go to the family to help with medical and funeral expenses, and a donation will be made to the American Heart Association in Russ' name.
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