John G. Bellas

Springfield- John G. Bellas, 81, devoted husband of 48 years to Patricia (Doty) Bellas, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday June 17, 2018. John was born Ioannis G. Bellas on June 21, 1936 in Stemnitsa, Greece, son of the late Yiorgios and Athanasia (Parnassas) Bellas. He was a Springfield resident for 63 years. He retired after 56 years as Produce Manager from Stop and Shop Supermarkets, where he was affectionately known as “The Legend”. He was the former owner of the Italian Trading Co., as well as a pizza restaurant in Springfield. John was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield; a lifetime member of AHEPA, and a member of the UFCW. In addition to his parents, John was pre-deceased by two brothers, Angelis (Angelo) Bellas and Panagiotis (Peter) Bellas; and a sister, Marika Bellas. Besides his beloved wife, John is survived by his four adoring daughters, Stacy Bellas-Violette (Brian Violette) of Colchester, CT, Nikki Grozio (Kevin Grozio) of Wilbraham, Georgia Bellas of Racine, WI, Angela Bellas (Wayne Scott Percy) of Manchester, CT; nine grandchildren, Donovan Violette, Carter Violette, Jameson Violette, Noah Violette, Anastasia Violette, Taryn Grozio, Breslin Grozio, Harlowe Grozio, and Marika Percy Bellas; two sisters, Kyriakoula Gkrintzia and Irene Basiakou; and extended family members.Calling hours will take place from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Wednesday (June 20, 2018) in the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow with a Trisagion service to take place at 5:00PM. John will lie in state from 9:00AM to 10:00AM on Thursday (June 21, 2018) in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 St. George Road, Springfield with a funeral service at 10:00AM. His burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. John learned English at night school and used to joke that he could only read at night. He was proud, hard-working, self-taught, and a well-respected family man who will be greatly missed. John lived for his family. May his memory be eternal.