Oresto J. Belmonte

Oresto J. Belmonte of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 27, 2011 with his loving family by his side. Oresto was born Oct 2, 1924 in Worcester, the son of the late Emanuel and Angelina (Morro) Belmonte. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School in 1943 and shortly afterwards joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II. He held the rank of Chief Gunners Mate while serving on amphibious assault ships during Mediterranean and European operations. Oresto's service included tours of duty in the Mediterranean Sea and participation in the Invasion of Normandy. He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, and the European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal.

Oresto was one of six brothers to see active duty in the U.S. military during World War II. In appreciation of the sacrifices made by the Belmonte brothers in the defense of their country, a commemorative monument was erected in 1990 at the entrance to Cristoforo Columbo Park on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. Oresto and his five brothers were also awarded a citation by the Massachusetts House of Representative and Senate for their combined service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and for being members of the only family in Massachusetts to have contributed as such. As another recognition of the unique contribution of the brothers, in 1991 U.S. Senator John Kerry entered the service of the Belmonte brothers into the Congressional Record.

After the completion of World War II, Oresto returned to Worcester to marry Lillian Aramento. Oresto and Lillian later moved to Shrewsbury where they spent 58 of their 65 years together and raised their four children.

Oresto was a skilled Master Electrician. He worked for many years for Ostrow Electric Co. as an electrician and foreman overseeing installation of electrical systems during the construction of hospitals, civic and commercial buildings. He was also employed by the Worcester Memorial Auditorium and later by the DCU Center as the lead electrician responsible for the safe installation and operation of equipment used during performances. Oresto was a life long member of the IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In 2007, he was recognized for 65 years of membership in the IBEW.

Shortly after being married, he started work on his Edgemont Road home in Shrewsbury. In 1952, he moved his new family into this home after completing much of the construction on his own. He and Lillian lived in this house during all their time in Shrewsbury.

In addition to his beloved wife, Lillian, Oresto is survived by their three children: Elaine (Charles) Inman of Winter Haven, Florida, Janice (Carl) Guyer of Southborough, and Robert (Robin) Belmonte of Shrewsbury; three brothers: Alexander Belmonte of San Diego, California, Armando and Albert Belmonte of Worcester; six grandchildren: Kimberly (Jack) Jeffares, Jonathan (Andrea) Kennedy, Emily Guyer, Matthew Inman, Curtis and Leigh Belmonte; seven great grandchildren: Jackson, Cole, Drew, Miles, Owen, Isabella, and Harper and many nieces, nephews and friends. A son, John F. Belmonte, passed away in 1990. Two brothers: Nicholas and Emanuel Belmonte and a sister, Nancy DeSimone also predeceased him.

Oresto and his wife Lillian are members of St Anne's Roman Catholic Church in Shrewsbury, MA..

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, May 7th at 11:00 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 10 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service in the funeral home. After the service a luncheon will be held at the Belmonte home at 35 Edgemont Road in Shrewsbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave, Ste. 2, Norwood, MA 02062-5040.