HORNELL-Philip T. “Phil” Bellanca, 93, of 92 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 18, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.
Born in Mt. Morris, NY on January 11, 1923, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.
Phil grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving his country as a member of the US Army.
He moved to Hornell in 1948 and, throughout the years, had been employed at several local businesses including the Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, the Icehouse, Hornell Brewery and the former Merrill Hosiery Corporation.
Phil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed gardening, growing the best tomatoes in Hornell, and loved everything to do with cars, especially antiques. Phil was also a skilled carpenter, who could always be found building or tinkering with a variety of projects.
He was married on January 25, 1947 to the former Margaret Sciotti who died November 14, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Lowry who died in 1984; his son-in-law, Dennis Lowry; 6 sisters; and 4 brothers.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Margaret (David) Massey of Sebastian, FL and Phyllis Lowry of Whittier, CA; 4 grandchildren, Philip Massey, Brigette Seibert, Heidi Lowry and Mitchell Lowry, 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
At Phil’s request there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Phil’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.
