Juan Faiella Bellantoni

1932 - 2026

Juan (John) Faiella Bellantoni died peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida at the age of 94.

John was born on July 1, 1932, to Leopold and Angelina Bellantoni, in the Bronx, New York City. He was the second of two children and younger brother to Leopold Bellantoni Jr.

John studied at Fordham University, where he met his future wife Ellen Cadette in chemistry class. After graduating they married in Queens, New York in 1957. They lived in Great Neck, New York before moving to Natick, Massachusetts ten years later. They raised a family there with many happy times, vacationing in New Hampshire, Maine, and on the Cape, and consistently visiting relatives in New York City. John’s love of boats became apparent with the purchase of a small Sunfish sailboat that was enjoyed by the family and was towed all the way to Florida and back on a memorable vacation.

After Ellen and John divorced, he married Edith Richmond Schwartz in 1989, moving over time to Boston, Washington, and eventually to Sarasota. Sarasota became a hub for visits from children and grandchildren, especially Edith’s children Lisa, Madeline and Edward and their spouses, grandchildren, and relatives. Many excellent times were had, including, swimming in the pool, John’s copious cooking, and happy interactions across the two families. Edith and John travelled extensively to Israel, Egypt, France, and around the USA. Continuing his interest in boating, John bought a catamaran and sailed it in the bay, and with friends he sailed 400 miles round trip from Sarasota to Key West and back, stopping in Naples.

He earned several Master of Science degrees – in Physics (Fordham), Applied Mathematics (New York University), and Engineering (Harvard University) – and over time he obtained a patent and wrote a dozen technical publications. An engineer at heart, he worked at Sperry Rand and NASA where he focused on gyroscopic and star tracking guidance systems. He worked extensively in transportation analysis and engineering including a range of rail, air, and sea planning and analysis projects. John was central in the development of the COSPAS-SARSAT search-and-rescue satellite aided tracking system, which was a global success story and saved many lives. It continues to operate today.

John’s wry sense of humor and deadpan delivery was well known to friends and family. He had a tremendous love for his family and was dedicated to doing his absolute best for the people around him. His face always lit up when a family member arrived. His devotion to Edith showed in his spending every possible hour by her side.

He is greatly missed.

John is survived by his children Leo, John, Steve, and Janet and by grandchildren Janet, Eva, Rose, Hannah, and Gregory, as well as by his brother Leo and children Jon and Marie and great-nieces Maria, Anna, and Julia. He was predeceased by his wife Edith Schwartz.

A Visitation will be held at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232, on October 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 am in the funeral home.

A Graveside Committal Service will be at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery, 801 Circus Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232, on October 11, 2026, at 12:30 pm.