Vito J. Bellafiore

LUNENBURG – Vito J. Bellafiore, 97 of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Born in Fitchburg on May 8, 1925, Vito was one of three brothers, born to the late Gaspare and Anna (Cusumano) Bellafiore formally from Sicily. A highly decorated United States Army veteran, Vito bravely served in the European conflict during World War II. He served in the 45th Oklahoma “Thunderbird” Division, and was a member of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). While training in the U.S. he became a Drill Sargent due to his boisterous voice. His service oversees included: reconnaissance in Libya and Egypt; in Plymouth, England he performed weapons testing, message delivery for the Allied High Command and also met the Queen of England; after landing in Le Havre, France, two days after D-Day he performed aerial spotting, and met with French resistance contacts; in Germany he took part in the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp where he was tasked with transporting the camp survivors to humanitarian centers. He was aided in this task by Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) who acted as a translator. After World War II, he attended and graduated from Northeastern University. A Professional golfer, after winning numerous local, state, and regional championships, he competed on the PGA Tour from 1958 to 1962. Playing famous courses such as Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Forest Hills, and many more during his life. He played alongside Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and others. Throughout the years, he was associated with multiple golf organizations including Red Tail, Shaker Hills, and Oak Hill. Working in the Paper Industry, Weyerhaeuser Paper Co. located in Tacoma, Washington, allowed him to travel across the country playing golf, the sport he loved. Vito’s life had so many facets; faith and family were always foremost in his heart. Very little made him happier than being on the golf course with his children and grandchildren along with his wife Joan riding shotgun in the golf cart. Vito loved to see the smiles on their faces. In addition to his parents, Vito was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Joan A. (Naylor) Bellafiore; his son, Michael P. Bellafiore; and his brothers, Francis N. Bellafiore and Paul A. Bellafiore. Vito is lovingly survived by his daughters, Diane J. B.Tagliavia, and her husband Paul of Fitchburg, Susan J. Bellafiore of Leominster, and JoAnn L. Robichaud, and her husband Steve of High Point, NC, and daughter-in-law Diane M. Bellafiore of Roswell, GA; his grandchildren, Anthony J. Bellafiore of Leominster, Jonathan S. and Anna B. Robichaud of High Point, NC, and Christopher L. Bellafiore and his wife Lucie of Roswell, GA; his great-granddaughter, Emily Bellafiore of Roswell, GA; step-grandson, Brian Tagliavia; he is also survived by a niece. Vito’s Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg. Visiting Hours will be held from 10 to 11, prior to the Service. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with committal prayers in St. Joseph’s Pieta Chapel, 474 Clarendon St, Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vito’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Homes. For additional information or online condolences, please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Vito J. Bellafiore

May 8, 1925 - November 6, 2022