Sam S. Bellestri, age 88, of Monroe, Michigan passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. He was born in Monroe June 1, 1929 the son of Sam and Concetta ( Carrabino) Bellestri.
He attended St. Joseph Grade School in Monroe, then Lincoln Elementary and graduated from Monroe High School in 1947. He married Irene Delbo October 18, 1958 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. Sadly she passed away on February 20, 2006.
Sam was a meat cutter by trade. He is a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers AFL-CIO Local 539 and the National Association of Atomic Veterans. He served his country in the United States Army after enlisting in 1951. Sam loved people. He enjoyed spending time with his family and others.
He was a member of the Comboni Missionaries Ladies Auxilary of Monroe. He was also active in the Promedica Monroe Hospice. His survivors include a son Sam (Julie) Bellestri of Clarkston; daughter Roseanne (Gary) Patania of Monroe; grandchildren Timothy Patania, Bethany Patania, Sam Bellestri and Ben Bellestri. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Santo Bellestri and a sister Frances Gianino.
Friends may call on Friday from 1-8 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road in Monroe. He will lie in state on Saturday January 6, 2018 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe from 9 AM until Mass at 10 AM. Officiating will be the Rev. Phil Ching, church pastor. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
A rosary will be recited at the funeral home Friday night at 7 PM. Memorials may be made to the St. Michael Catholic Church or to Promedica Monroe Hospice.