Michael R. Belleau

SALEM — Michael R. Belleau, 52, husband of Wanda (Phillips) Belleau, with whom he shared 26 wonderful, loving years, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in New Bedford, Mass. shortly after finishing his workday.

Born in Salem the son of Mary Jane (Davis) (Belleau) Blais of Salem and the late Jean Paul Belleau, he was the stepson of the late Armand Blais.

Michael was raised and educated in Salem attending St. James Grammar School and graduating from Salem High School in the Class of 1976. During his teens and twenties, he enjoyed competitive motorcross racing and customizing vans.

He competed in the World of Wheels show in Boston having been honored with First Place.

An innovative thinker and inventor, Mr. Belleau held five U.S. Patents, most notably for his Spray Foam StuccoWall system. Recently, he and his son, Dylan showcased his Stucco Wall System that was applied to his motor home, or "Motorcastle," as he lovingly referred to it, from Salem to Florida and back to demonstrate his technology. During the trip they enjoyed wonderful father son time while Dylan served as the trip mechanic making necessary repairs. Michael was always well known for his comedic personality and great wit. He loved to make people laugh and smile, even in the worst moments. Generous to a fault, he was always upbeat, saw the silver lining in every cloud and was loved by all, he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by two children, Kristyn and Dylan Belleau both of Salem; his two brothers, David Belleau and his wife Doreen of Peabody, Richard Blais and his wife Meghan of Salem; two sisters, Sandra McMahon and her husband Michael of Salem, Donna Michaud of Beverly; a sister-in-law, Anita Belleau of St. Mary's, Pa., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert Blais and Paul Belleau; his father, Jean Paul Belleau, and his stepfather, Armand Blais.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 9:45 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (corner of North Street), Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St Pius V Church, 215 Maple St., Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Murphy's Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem.Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Michael R. Belleau Scholarship Fund, c/o Salem 5, 210 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970 (or at any branch location). For online guestbook or additional information, please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.

This obituary was originally published in The Salem News.