Robert J. "Bob" Bellavance

Robert J. Bellavance, a resident of Methuen, MA, and York Beach, ME, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born and raised in Amesbury, MA, son of the late Albert and Alphonsine (Fournier) Bellavance, he graduated from Haverhill Trade School and Fitchburg State. He entered the US Army serving in Vietnam with "Big Red One" and the Special Forces and was honorably discharged in 1969. Following his discharge, he became employed by Climate Air and ACR Corporation. He then became a sheet metal/welding instructor at Greater Lowell Regional Vocational High School. While teaching, he continued to attend classes at Fitchburg State College where he graduated cum laude, and ran a side heating and air conditioning business called Bell Heating and AC. He retired from GLRVT in 2006 after thirty-three years of teaching. He enjoyed being a VICA advisor for many years, and traveling across the country to support his students in Skills USA trade competitions. His students were his pride and joy, and many credited him with helping them find their way through life and continued to visit him into his retirement. Bob was the past Grand Knight of the Methuen Knights of Columbus, 4027, a member of the Methuen VFW, and York American Legion. Bob cherished his time spent in York Beach, on the peaceful deck of his summer home, surrounded by friends and family while feasting on lobster dinners, sitting around the campfire telling stories about Vietnam, and passing time watching the waves crash in at Long Sands Beach. He loved Golden Rod taffy, especially the peanut butter ones, and butter pecan ice cream. He was known for cooking up "restaurant quality" meals, such as veal saltimbocca, fresh cut french fries with chicken parmesan, and epic breakfasts with Belgian waffles and only real Vermont maple syrup. Anytime friends and other family members would come around, he couldn't help but speak highly of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, who he loved immensely. Bob will be missed by his devoted wife of fifty-four years, Nancy (Furness) Bellavance, his son, Jeffrey, and his wife, Christine, of Methuen, Mass.; his daughters, Kristen Noel, and her husband, Roger, of Methuen, Mass.; and Jamie Coelho, and her husband, Andre, of Swansea, Mass. He is survived by six grandchildren, including Ryan and Morgan Bellavance, Olivia and Jacob Noel, and Carter and Kinsley Coelho. He is survived by brothers Fernand, of Hampstead, N.H., and Albert and Paul Bellavance, of Amesbury, Mass., and sister, Jeanine St. Germain of Hampton, N.H., and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two sisters, Theresa Cohen and JoAnn Bellavance, and brothers Norman, and Raymond Bellavance, who also recently passed in April of 2025. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to calling hours on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 223 Lawrence St., Methuen. A Funeral Mass for Robert will be held the following day, Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Monica's Church, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, N. Lowell St., Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robert's name to Disabled American Veterans or the Methuen VFW Post 8349 at 26 River St. in Methuen. Call 978-686-9626 to make a donation. https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/ https://www.methuen.gov/600/VFW-Post-8349-Function-Hall The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bellavance family.