Dominick J. Bellino Sr.

FRANKFORT- Mr. Dominick J. "Hafey" Bellino, Sr., age 72, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, February 14, 2024, in the privacy and comfort of his home. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.

Born on April 24, 1951, Dominick was the son of the late Charles and Rose (DiGristina) Bellino. His childhood years were spent in Frankfort where he was blessed with a traditional Italian upbringing. He graduated from Frankfort-Schuyler High School with the Class of 1970. He continued his education at HCCC and also attended BOCES where he became a skilled heavy equipment operator.

On April 6, 1974, Dominick was married to his high school sweetheart, Ida Diliberto, thus beginning the story of their life. Throughout five decades, Dominick and Ida raised their four children and experienced the joy of five grandchildren. Their vows were honored through all of life’s ups and downs.

When Ida was emotional, Dominick was calm. When Dominick faced health issues, Ida took care of his every need. Their marriage exemplified the ideals of having a deep respect for each other while valuing opinions and providing one another with support and encouragement. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this spring. Dominick had kept her Senior picture in his wallet from the moment they met until the moment he left us.

Anyone who knew Dominick could testify that he had a solid work ethic. He strived to provide a comfortable life for his wife and children. In his early years, he was employed at the Union Fork & Hoe, and also operated his own truck driving business. He had a passion for being behind the wheel and if there existed a bridge to the other side of the Atlantic, Dominick would have driven it. In the early 90s, it was common to find a limousine parked in front of the Bellino home. Dominick co-owned and operated Prestige Limousine Service. He also donated his service and time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring joy to ailing children. As his family grew, Dominick took a position with the Village of Frankfort DPW where he worked for thirty-three years until retiring in 2013.

Aside from his beloved family and his dedication to work, Dominick was a man of the community, and he was proud of where he came from. He became a member of the Frankfort Fire Department in 1973 and even after fifty years, he still held exempt membership. Dominick always looked forward to attending meetings and was active in advancing the fire department in our community. He was a former member of the St. Francis di Paola Society, where he donated his time cooking at the annual festival for many years.

Dominick’s latest employment was with the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home where he was a constant throughout the last decade. While serving the families of his community during their time of need, he always had a smile, a handshake, a hug and a friendly word for you when you walked through the doors of the funeral home. At times, he could be a little LOUD but his heart was always in the right place and his presence will be deeply missed by Marty, Kevin and his funeral home family.

Dominick enjoyed attending to his garden. He was an avid NY Giants and NY Yankees fan. He loved fishing with his sons and grandsons. Luck was with him as he often was found at the local gas stations playing scratch-off tickets and would always come home a winner. Although a New Yorker, he also had a love for Alabama Crimson Tide.

As a father, Dominick was second to none. He was a constant presence in the lives of his sons and daughter and he never missed an event or milestone in their lives. As their children grew, Dominick and Ida always had an open-door policy and the happiness and memories made in their home were shared amongst their children’s friends.

Everything that Dominick did, he did for the betterment of the generations that followed. He was a proud Papa to his five grandchildren, and they brought endless joy to him throughout the later part of his life. He shared in their accomplishments and was supportive in their times of hurt. Each of them is truly blessed to have a Papa as loving as theirs was.

His Roman Catholic faith was very important to him, and he was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. For many years, he served on the Parish Council, acted as a Lector and was lovingly known as the “Kissing Usher!” Even as Dominick’s health declined over these last few months, he made every effort to attend Sunday Mass and receive Holy Communion.

Dominick was a classy individual who had honor, integrity and the biggest heart. To know him was to be his friend. His care-free, easy-going personality, and big resounding voice will forever be remembered by those he leaves behind. His legacy will live on through us all.

Dominick is survived by his beloved Ida, his daughter Cristina and her boyfriend Johnny Eberley, his sons, Dominick Bellino and wife Andrea, Charles Bellino and his girlfriend Amanda Arcuri and Michael Bellino and his girlfriend Toni Evanchak, along with his grandchildren, Aiden, Luca, Hannah, Adrianna and Charlie Jr. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Rosalia and Salvatore Tocco of Massachusetts, Louisa and Jeff Moreau of Ilion, Salvatore and Jennifer Diliberto of Illinois and Frank Diliberto of Frankfort, numerous nieces and nephews, his aunts and uncle, Neva Volo, Florence Cardarelli, Mary DiChristina and Joseph DiGristina, along with his many cousins of which he shared a very close relationship with and many lifelong friends that are too numerous to mention.

He is predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Patt and Angela Diliberto, his sister Mary Bellino Van Dusen and his baby grandson, Gerald Patrick.

Relationships were very important to Dominick and no matter how much time went by, he always kept in touch, even if it was only a phone call to say hello.
He was like a second father to many of his sons’ friends and co-workers; some called him “Pop” and he often referred to them as “Son.”

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation on Sunday, February 25th, 2024, from 2:00PM - 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. The Frankfort Fire Department will gather at 2:30PM at the funeral home to pay their respects as a group.

Dominick's funeral service will commence on Monday morning, February 26th, 2024, at 9:30AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Spring interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Dominick’s name to one of his favorite charities: St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Food for the Poor or the Frankfort Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Bellino family has entrusted the care of their beloved husband and father to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .