David Frank Belmonte

What a class act.who wasn't acting.

The prior reflections here beautifully capture the essence of my good friend of 56 years, Dave Belmonte. The one-word description of him that comes to mind is the Yiddish word "mensch," which means a man of the most admirable character and values.

Dave was fiercely loyal to his family and friends: he had, as they say, their backs. And to have Dave Belmonte as a loyal friend (whose back one also had) was an honor beyond compare.

Not only was he an outstanding coach, but a fine history teacher, too. He never slighted his classroom responsibilities for basketball. He loved teaching the Constitution and Bill of Rights and would often call me, a teacher of Law and Society, to discuss recent cases handed down by the Supreme Court.

Dave was an exceptional judge of character, making his friends proud to have passed the test. He hated bigotry and injustice in whatever guise. And he possessed a wicked sense of humor that was deployed playfully.

Dave was the type of man that parents want their daughters to marry and their sons to be. Through his touching of their parents´ lives, the children and grandchildren of his players and students are better people.

Rick Nagel

Mr. Belmonte inspired me to be the person that I am today. I was the manager of the Basketball Team all 3 years at FHS. I will greatly miss his since of humor and positivity.

I appreciate everything you did for me coach. Not just with basketball you seen more in me than that. You helped me become a better person and grow into a respectable man. I know I made many mistakes as a kid but you never looked down on me an always gave me confidence in myself even when I didn´t believe in me. Your whole family was great too me and I thank you guys so much for it. I love you coach B

Great person great Coach, showed me how patience will make you succeed in Coaching and in life!

I tried out my sophomore year in high school for the basketball team and I thought I was going to make it but then on the last day of tryouts, I got cut, I found out later many years later that I would have made the team, but my wrestling coach thought I would be a better fit.
For the wrestling team, so they have a coin flip and mr belmonte, lost and I joined the wrestling team, I found out many years later, when I confronted him on it jokingly, and he took the fifth winking at me.
Definitely, a man I truly respect. What amazing life He's had my condolences to his family. He will always be loved and remembered one love. Quaker nation....class of 1980

When I think of what it means to be a family man I always think of Mr. B. He fiercely loved and guided his family and put them above all. His legacy will live on in them. They are loving, kind, compassionate and generous. All qualities he displayed. Mr. & Mrs. B are a great example of a wonderful marriage and how to make a beautiful life of 59 years together. I learned so much from their amazing life together. His loss will be felt by so many and has left a big hole in my heart. My deepest condolences go out to the family. I´m sending all of my love and prayers your way.

I was blessed to have been raised up with Mr. Belmonte as my neighbor and best friend Gina's father. As such, I had the joy of growing up around a loving family man of great humor and compassion, the best taste in music and cars, and the fun of getting to accompany his family to his basketball games and sometimes even his history classes during the days that Gina and I were out of school. He instilled in me what it means to be a good human even in times when the world feels so intent on the opposite. He was one of the good guys in history's story. I'm forever grateful for his fatherly presence in the times when I needed it the most. I'm so grateful for Lorelei, Gina, Jeff, Andrew and Jeffrey for sharing him with me over the years. May we be blessed to continue sharing what he taught us to all we meet and for our future generations. All my love, Kate

I was blessed to play for Coach B during my 4 years at Franklin High. He was an amazing mentor and left a lasting and profound impact on my life. Thanks to my lasting friendships with Mike Bethea and Robert Graham I was fortunate to reconnect with Coach B over the last few years and enjoyed attending many of the Rainier Beach playoff games including the state championship they won in 2025. Even though I graduated in 1976 Coach was still filled with the same fire and love for the game in 2025. I will forever be thankful that I had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace Coach!

Coach B was a Great a man. Who care about everyone's more then he care for himself. I met Coach B in the 70th
This man was a Great Coach also. He was a legend on and off the court. I am going missed him so much. But I know for a fact. I will see him again in Heaven. Love you Coach. Coach Robert Graham Sr.

Our deepest sympathy to Lorelei and your family. David was a giant among men, honored and loved by so many, and leaving a lasting legacy.
Zara Logan