Donald L. Bellia

1938 - 2019

Donald L. Bellia, 81 of West Chester, passed away on July 1, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Gail for close to 46 years; loving father of Angie (Craig) and David (Michelle); proud grandfather of Xavier, Aiden, Devin, and Avery; brother of Paul, Bob, and Roseann; and uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

A graduate of West Virginia University, Don worked for various corporations in the aircraft industry before becoming an engineer for GE Aircraft Engines for over 30 years. He was an amateur pilot, car enthusiast, model builder, and all-around DIY guy. He lived in various parts of the country before settling down in Cincinnati, where he met Gail and started a family.

Don was a modest, soft-spoken man. He wanted to know everything there was to know, devouring books, documentaries, histories, and DIY shows. He designed and built most of the house he lived in until his passing. Over the years, he used much of his free time to become a skilled, meticulous wood-worker, building furniture and keepsakes that will be forever treasured by his family.

As a member of a close-knit Italian family, Don cherished the many reunions, dinners, and trips they took over the years. He loved a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee, sneaking extra helpings of any dessert, eating weekly lunches with his retired friends, playing golf, and spending time with his family. He encouraged his grandchildren to enjoy life and explore their curiosity, all while teaching them to be just a little bit "ornery"-a nickname his granddaughter used fondly. His presence will be deeply missed in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040 on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 6-8 PM. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011 on Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 AM. Let's not mourn, but instead celebrate joyful memories of a life well lived with bright summer colors.

If desired, Memorial Donations may be directed to Ohio State University James Cancer Center, http://bit.ly/TheJamesOSU

To send a condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, visit Muellerfunerals.com