Obituary of Sebastian J. Bellitto

Sebastian J. "Busty" Bellitto, 96, of 316 Norton Ave., died at 6:48 a.m. Monday (May 31, 2010) in W.C.A. Hospital. A lifelong area resident he was born January 10, 1914 in Jamestown the son of Joseph and Sebastiana LeSeta Bellitto. He was a 1934 graduate of Jamestown High School and a lifelong communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church. Before his retirement in 1979, he was employed by the former Automatic Voting Machine Company, where he worked as a press brake operator. He had previously worked for the former Art Metal, Inc. and the former Curtiss-Wright Corporation. For a short time in the 1950's, he and his three brothers operated a restaurant on East Second St. He was a longtime member of the South Hills Country Club, playing golf until the age of 90, and a longtime member of the YMCA. In 2009 he was recognized by the Jamestown YMCA for 73 years of consecutive membership, the third longest of any "Y" member. He credited his longevity to playing handball for 40 years and walking the golf course for over 60 years. He often told the story of walking 54 holes in one day with his brother Pete. He was given the YMCA Camp Onyasha Alumni Hall of Fame Award in 2007. In earlier years he was a proud member of the YMCA New Era Club. He was equally known for his sharp memory of events as long as 85 years ago, often telling stories for hours on end. He was famous for raising fruits and vegetables at the family homestead on South Main St. He also made Italian wine with his father for many years, with grapes grown on the family property. In 1931, he studied Italian under Father Austin Billerio at St. James Church. He was responsible for correspondence with family in Italy for the past 79 years, mailing his last two letters just a few weeks ago. He recently completed an interview about the Great Depression for Jamestown Community College. The video can be seen at the Fenton History Center. Busty was an avid baseball fan, he attended over 400 games of his grandson Sebby during the past decade. He was truly Sebby's biggest fan. His cheering from his seat behind the backstop is legendary. He was proud that his granddaughter Vanessa followed in the footsteps of his wife Rose, choosing a career in the fashion industry in Manhattan. Surviving is his son, Joseph A. (Leigh Ann) Bellitto of Jamestown, two grandchildren, Vanessa L. Bellitto of New York City, Sebastian B. "Sebby" Bellitto of Jamestown, two brothers Anthony J. Bellitto of Jamestown, Ross Bellitto of Lewiston, NY, and two sisters, Jay Frushone of Kenmore, NY, Sally Pollino of Jamestown and eleven nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife the former Rose Menzola Bellitto of Staten Island, NY, whom he married October 31, 1954 and who died February 16, 2000,a brother Peter Bellitto who died in 1993 and an infant brother who died in 1918. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. James Catholic Church. The Rev. Darrell G. Duffy, pastor will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010, in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Jamestown Babe Ruth Baseball, 69 Hammond St., Jamestown, NY 14701.