William Bellinger, 85

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

Longtime South Beach resident William Bellinger, 85, the loving patriarch of three

generations, died Thursday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Born and raised in McKeesport, Pa., he moved to South Beach in 1955 with his wife

and childhood sweetheart, the former Helen Hunt.

Mr. Bellinger worked as a butcher until retiring in the 1990s.

He enjoyed time spent with his large extended family and was an active member of

the community.

Mr. Bellinger was known as dapper and enjoyed wearing three-piece suits. He

greatly enjoyed listening to jazz music, dancing, traveling and visiting Atlantic City.

Helen, his wife, died in 1993. He also was preceded in death by his son, William, in

1986, and his daughter, Cassandra, in 1998.

Surviving are his sons, Glenn and Christopher; his daughters, Julia and Glenda

Bellinger; his sister, Eveleyn Steward; 21 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

The Crestwood Memorial Chapels, Manhattan, handled private arrangements,

including cremation.