Philip P. Bellaria

Philip Peter "Pete" Bellaria died peacefully on September 8, 2025, in his home of thirteen years at Ashby Ponds Retirement Community in Ashburn, Virginia. Pete was born on March 24, 1937 in Hayward, California to Philip Bellaria and Opal Landers Bellaria. He was a proud 1958 graduate of Santa Clara University. He continued his education with an MBA from American University in 1970 and he was a graduate of the National War College and The Federal Executive Institute.

Pete began his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy from November 1959 to April 1963. While living with roommates in an apartment building in DC, Pete met the lovely Norma LeClaire and months later they were married on March 16, 1963 in Norma's hometown of Manchester, Connecticut. Norma was influential in Pete's decision to leave the Navy and begin employment as an administrative officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. Pete went on to have a distinguished 30-year career achieving Senior Executive Service level before his retirement in 1993.

Pete and Norma spent two years in Istanbul, Turkey where their oldest daughter Aimee Joy was born. When they returned to the Washington DC area, their second daughter Denise Dawn was born. In 1968, Pete and Norma moved to Sterling Park, Virginia to buy their first home on North Williamsburg Court and their son Philip Joseph completed their family. In 1973, Pete and the family took an assignment in Taiwan. Arriving home in the summer of 1976, Pete and Norma moved to Vienna, Virginia and remained active in the Vienna community for the next 36 years until Pete moved to Ashby Ponds in April 2012. Pete and Norma were active in their children's lives, bridge groups, and their church – Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter on Beulah Road – where Pete served on the Vestry and as a Verger. Norma predeceased Pete with her untimely death on July 17, 2002 from a heart attack. They had been married for forty years.

Pete's pride and joy were his nine grandchildren. He was so excited to meet his great grandson born in June 2025. He truly put his family first in all that he did. He leaves behind his daughter Aimee Davis (spouse Kevin) and daughter Denise Miskell (spouse Jeff) who both reside in Vienna, VA and his son Phil Bellaria (spouse Maura) from Wynnewood, PA. His nine grandchildren are Tim Davis (spouse Hannah, child Neil), Shannon Davis, Brandon Miskell, Megan Miskell, Joe Davis (spouse Kristie), Diana Miskell, Cam Bellaria, Jacqueline Bellaria, and John Bellaria. Pete was a constant fan in the bleachers of Vienna youth sports and Madison HS Warhawks and he travelled to Pennsylvania to see performances. His grandchildren have fond memories of their "Papa" being part of their everyday activities.

Pete had many friends at Ashby Ponds and was especially grateful for the friendship of his fellow fourth floor Red Robin neighbors. He was an avid traveler, loved performances, good

food and fine wine. He enjoyed a good conversation, learning about others, and had an excellent memory.

A memorial reception will be held on Friday September 19, 2025, from 3-5pm in the Cherry Blossom game room at Ashby Ponds where the family will be there to greet Pete's friends. A funeral service and internment in the columbarium will be held on Saturday September 20, 2025 at The Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia starting at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to the Ashby Ponds Scholarship Fund. This fund offers tuition assistance to the high school students who work at Ashby Ponds, many of whom are the first generation to attend college. Pete was a strong supporter of this Fund. Contributions should be mailed to Ashby Ponds, Philanthropy Manager at 21170 Ashby Ponds Blvd. in Ashburn, VA 20147. Please note in the memo line: Ashby Ponds' Scholars Fund. https://donations.erickson.com/s/?com=apl&fund=bcf