Bellis

Gary John Bellis, “Pop” or “Poppy,” of Butler, a humble, determined, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

Born Dec. 9, 1944, in Butler, he was the cherished son of the late Joseph John Bellis and Florence Margaret (Lynn) Bellis.

Family was everything to Gary. He is survived by his four sons, Joseph J. Bellis (Linda), Colby L. Bellis, Corey L. Bellis (Joanna) and Gregory J. Bellis; his five grandchildren, Amanda (John), Alyssa, Chelsea (Dylan), Brooke and Andrew; as well as his great-grandson, Lucas, and soon to be born great-grandson, Carson.

For Gary, passing on family stories, history and skills was his life’s work. His quiet, and not so quiet, strength offered an everlasting foundation for his family.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol Joyce (McKean) Bellis. Their lives were a testament to enduring love, having shared countless memories. They particularly enjoyed traveling together, whether it be a lazy weekend drive or one of the many long car trips which took them to 47 of the 48 continental states.

As a father, Gary will be remembered for his fantastic storytelling. He could create funny and engaging fiction off the top of his head and then go on to tell exciting stories of history, sports or geography. He was also known for his craftsmanship, from blacksmithing to woodworking, and for fixing almost anything around the house but plumbing (he really didn’t like plumbing.) He could make or fix anything and taught his boys to do the same.

The Bellis home was the most fun house in the neighborhood because Gary built tree houses, tipis, toboggan trails and, for the last 27 years, a magnificent train display for all to enjoy. He even built a baseball field in his backyard to give the T-ball team he coached more practice time.

In his professional life, Gary began his career as a blacksmith and soon after became a machinist for Pullman Standard and then AK Steel (ARMCO) until his retirement in 2007. His careers showcased precision, determination and keeping his co-workers entertained with regular doses of his practical humor. Gary was highly experienced in a plethora of skills and crafts and made a point to pass his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than to spend a day whipping something up in his shop, often innovative and sometimes actual artwork.

Gary’s life was enriched by his hobbies and the simple pleasures of nature. An instinctual outdoorsman, he had an uncanny ability to sense the deer’s patterns and where they would be. He loved gardening and had a way of caring for plants and trees that kept them living when others might have allowed them to die. However, his deepest passion was fishing, a tradition shared across generations. He was often quoted saying “just one more worm” a saying he learned from his own father. He enjoyed this hobby in locations like the 3-Mile Bridge in Pensacola Bay, a favored spot he shared with his father and later with his sons, to the “swimming hole” on the Connoquenessing Creek, just a short walk from North Butler where he lived in his early years. Poppy passed down both a skill and a sacred place of connection with family.

He loved animals with a passion. Whether it was the rabbits he kept “for the grandkids,” hunting beagles, or his spoiled beagles later in life, or wildlife that regularly wondered across his property, he loved them all. The bears, deer, birds, turkeys and squirrels were all his friends and he had a way of charming them just as he did with everyone he met.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Russell J. Bellis.

His memory and legacy will be forever cherished by his sons and their partners, his grandchildren, great-grandsons, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Gary’s humble dedication, enduring strength and cherished traditions will be deeply missed.

BELLIS — Friends of Gary John Bellis, who died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, and also from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.

A blessing service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1004 N. Main St., Butler, with Deacon Mitch Natali, of All Saints Parish, Butler, officiating.

In lieu flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butler Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org/make-a-donation/ or Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org.

For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.