Stephenson R Bellinger, Sr

Stephenson Richard Bellinger, Sr. (Steve), 75, of Sandy Creek, peacefully passed away at his home on November 3, 2023, under the compassionate care of Hospice of Jefferson County, and the many devoted doctors, nurses and therapists from the VA in Syracuse, NY, and Rome, NY and a special thanks to Maddie, who took such good care of him over the past year.

Steve was born on August 23, 1948, in Watertown, NY, to Donald and Emma (Thomas) Bellinger, builders and owners of the Pine Diner in Mannsville. Steve graduated from Mannsville Manor School in 1966, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. Steve knew that he would be sent to Vietnam, and was eventually sent there from 1968-1969, earning commendations for his steadfastness and bravery. After his tour in Vietnam ended, he was transferred to Fort Dix, NJ, where he met his soulmate, Michele Janis. Steve and Michele were married on July 2, 1971 in Pemberton, NJ. They were truly in love from the moment they met, and still in love, observing their 52nd anniversary this past summer.

After Steve was honorably discharged from the Army, Steve attended Mohawk Valley Community College, in Utica, NY, earning an Associates Degree in Mechanical Design and Art. He was so talented in so many ways. Steve could accomplish anything he put his mind to. He was the kindest, most considerate husband, father, brother, son, uncle in the world. He loved his family. He had integrity, and a “think outside of the box” mind. He would always say, “I can fix anything except the crack of dawn and a broken heart”. True.

He worked so hard to provide for his family. The job that he enjoyed the most was at Fort Drum, NY, completing so many maintenance projects at Guthrie Hospital and several dental clinics. He was well-loved and respected by his superiors and his co-workers. He needed no direction.

In 2009, he realized that he had health issues and retired, although it wasn’t until 2011 that Steve was finally diagnosed with a very rare type of dementia, Frontal-Temporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, (FTD/PPA), probable Parkinson’s Disease. Early in his disease, Steve unselfishly chose to have his brain donated to the Mesulam Center at Northwestern in Chicago, IL, to hopefully help other people.

Steve had always been such a healthy, energetic, passionate person. This horrendous disease took everything from Steve’s body, gratefully sparing his beautiful soul and character.

Steve is survived by his greatest legacy, his two sons, Stephenson, Jr., and Mike (Melissa Reidy) Bellinger, and four wonderful grandsons, Nathan (21), Declan (11), Colin (9) and Cody (almost 10).

Steve is also survived by his heart-broken wife, Michele, his sister and brother-in-law, Ira & Donna (Bellinger) Learned, his brother, Donald Bellinger, Jr., a cousin, Crystal Bellinger, and several amazing nieces & nephews and great-nieces & great-nephews who were always there for him throughout his entire illness.

Steve’s grandson, Declan, was born with cystic fibrosis, a dreadful life-shortening disease. If anyone would like to honor Steve’s memory by making a donation to the CF Foundation of Central New York, (Declan Bellinger), 200 Gateway Park Drive, Bldg. C, Syracuse, NY 13212, he would have been extremely grateful.

There are no services planned. He is finally at rest in heaven after fighting the good fight.

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