Bert F. Belles, 58, of Buffalo Township passed away Monday in the emergency room of the Alle-Kiski Medical Center with his family at his side.

He was born Dec. 4, 1954, in New Kensington to the late Vernon H. Sr. and Dolores A. (Barker) Belles. Bert lived in South Buffalo Township until getting married in 1978. He then became a resident of Freeport.

He was a graduate of Freeport High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Corps. He served from 1973 until 1977.

Bert worked as a police officer for Freeport from 1978 until May 9, 2008, and also at the Butler Veteran's Administration Hospital from 1978 until he retired on Aug. 3, 2008.

Mr. Belles refereed football for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Bert was an active Freeport volunteer firefighter and rode for many years with the Freeport Ambulance. In addition, he was a social member of the Freeport VFW Post 6648, and was a member of the St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Freeport.

Bert was proud of his previous involvement with the youth community of Freeport, and in the years following his retirement, he enjoyed the time he spent with the children who he baby-sat.

Bert is survived by his wife of 34 years, who he married on March 16, 1978, Paula J. (Miciche) Belles of Buffalo Township; his three daughters, Jamie M. Belles and her fiance, Jeremiah McGough, of Sarver, Sarah A. Belles of Ford City and Carley M. Belles at home; his brothers, Russell E. Belles (Kristine Hiwiller) of South Buffalo, George (Debbie) Belles of Leechburg, Ralph W. (Robin) Belles of Karns City, Vernon H. “Bud” (Annette) Belles of Gibsonia and his two sisters, LaVerne A. Belles (Roger Cameron) of Cabot and Vicky L. Belles (Lynn Hessom) South Buffalo Township.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

BELLES — At his request, there will be no public visitation for Bert F. Belles, who passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013.All funeral ceremonies will be held at the family's convenience. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Dennis J. Daugherty Funeral Home 324 Fourth St., Freeport. 724-295-3100