Paul "Pete" Belsito

Paul V. "Pete" Belsito

Paxton - Paul V. "Pete" Belsito died on March 19, 2021 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA. He was born on January 27, 1946 to Peter J. and Elizabeth M. (Barrett) Belsito. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Patricia F. (Kelly) Belsito of Paxton, MA and their children Peter J. Belsito, his wife Jamie and their daughters Hadia and Rose of Topsfield, MA and his son Crew Ryan of Salem, MA; Anthony M. Belsito and his wife Shana, their daughter Kelsey and sons Ryan, Tyler, and Zachary of Schodack Landing, NY; and Elizabeth K. (Belsito) and her husband Richard Coe and their daughter Julia and son Richard of Hampton, NH. Pete is survived by his sister Elizabeth C. Belsito of Worcester, MA; his brother David B. Belsito and his wife Tomoko Ishida of Redondo Beach, CA; and his sister Mary G. Belsito of Worcester, MA. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and god children. He was predeceased by his parents and, at a very young age, his brother Peter J. Belsito.

Pete attended St. John's High School where he played right guard on the football team, earning a spot on the 1962 All-City Football Team. After graduating from St John's in 1964, he went on to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Worcester State College. Pete started his career as an English teacher at Leicester Middle School, eventually taking on an administrative role and retiring as principal in 2007. Pete's dedication to his students never wavered in his decades of service. He looked for the greatness in every student, committed to the idea that there is no such thing as a "bad kid". Countless former students can still hear his voice in their head with the sing-song refrain of "We don't do that here at Leicester Middle School". Whenever asked about his work, he would reply "the kids in Leicester are the best".

After retiring from education, Pete continued to serve his community, managing the volunteer ushers at the Hanover Theater, and chauffeuring the elderly of Paxton to their appointments and errands through the Council on Aging. Pete meant a lot to many. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, the best brother (Paolucci), an awesome uncle, an amazing Nonno, and an important member of the Paxton community. He embraced life, loved his family, and never sweated the small stuff.

We didn't ask Pete exactly what he wanted his last message to be, but we think he told us. Several years ago, he framed a picture of some beautiful words and gave it to his wife. We think these words are how he'd like to say goodbye: All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.

His family would like to thank the staff of the Cardiology Department and the nurses (his Angels) in the Cardiac ICU at UMass Memorial Medical Center, especially Jennifer who went out of her way for us. As the perfect punctuation to a life dedicated to giving, Pete has donated his remains to help teach medical students through the Anatomical Gift Program at UMass Medical School.

An intimate mass will be held 11am Saturday morning at St Columba Parish in Paxton. An additional memorial service will be offered in the near future when all who loved Pete can come together safely to remember how much he meant to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the students of Leicester Middle School by sending a check to the Town of Leicester, 3 Washburn Square, Leicester, MA 01524. Please note the memorial donation to the school in the memo line (e.g. P. Belsito Middle School Donation).