Giovanni Bellizzi

Giovanni “John” Bellizzi, 88, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Filomena (Arienzale) Bellizzi, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Born in San Basile, province of Cosenza, Italy on August 4, 1933, he was the son of the late Gennaro and Teresa (Spezzano) Bellizzi. John left Italy at age 17 and moved to Montevideo, Uruguay where he met his first wife, Albina. They moved to the United States in 1966, where they settled in Hartford, then moved to Wethersfield with their two children. Albina sadly passed away 32 years ago. He was blessed to meet Filomena, who he married in 2004. John worked as a bus driver for CT Transit, retiring after thirty years of dedicated service. He was an avid bowler and a longtime league member of T-Bowl in Newington. In addition, he was a member of the Mt. Carmel/St. Cristina Society. He enjoyed spending time in his vast vegetable garden, his winters in Florida, making wine and being outdoors. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, John will be forever missed by his devoted wife Filomena; his two children, Jerry Bellizzi and wife Laura of Cromwell and Teresa Jylkka and husband Jeff of Portland; four stepsons, Liberato Porrino, Lucio Porrino and wife Sue, Michael Porrino and wife Emma and Danny Porrino and partner Amelia; four adored grandchildren, John and Lauren Bellizzi and Jacob and Katelyn Jylkka and seven special step-grandchildren, Summer, Danny, Alyssa, Anthony, Ethan, Gavin and Christian Porrino. He is also survived by his brother, Mario Bellizzi and wife Parrish of Storrs, as well as several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to everyone that cared for him.

Funeral services will begin Monday (August 30) at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. The family has requested that everyone attending the services please wear a mask. Donations in John’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. To share a memory of John with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.