Michael A. Bellizia

Michael Anthony Bellizia, Sr., 61, well-known Kitchen Designer and Salesman, in the Hazleton and surrounding areas, died suddenly Sunday, November 9.


Born in Hazleton, on February 17, 1947, he was the son of Mary (Bachert) Bellizia of Hazleton, PA and the late Rocco Bellizia.


Mike graduated from Hazleton High School, and continued to attend seminars and classes on the design and construction of kitchens. He was self-employed for Masterbrand Cabinets inc. after having spent over 37 years at Thomas Kitchens, Poplar Street, Hazleton.
He was well-known for his extraordinary talent in this field as well as his love of people.


Michael is survived by his ex-wife, Carol, of 40 years, with who he was in the process of reconciling. They were looking forward to finishing their lives together.


He is also survived by his children, Michael A. Bellizia Jr., and his wife Dawn (Billman), Weatherly; Michele A. (Bellizia) Surochak and her husband Scott, Weatherly; Mario A. Bellizia and his wife, Lisa (Boehmer), Rock Glen; Matthew A. Bellizia and his wife Susan (Tarapchak), Beaver Meadows; and Mark A. Bellizia and his girlfriend Venera Boris, Hazleton.


He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dorothy Jo Weigand, currently serving with the National Guard in S.C.; Sarah Jane Weigand, Weatherly, Evan Bellizia, Weatherly; and Rocco and Jacob Bellizia, Rock Glen.


Other surviving family members include his mother in law Mildred Hoffman; his brother Thomas Bellizia and his wife Mary Ann Esposito, Sugarloaf; sisters Helen Bellizia and Mary Ellen Grabey, Hazleton. His sister in law, Sharon (Hoffman) O'Donnell and her husband Edward, South Carolina: sister in law Julie Michalesko, Ben Salem; Eileen (Hoffman) Sency and her husband Kenneth, Weatherly; and brother in law Lynn Hoffman and his wife, Robin, Weatherly.


He was preceded in death by his father, Rocco and his father in law Willard Hoffman; a baby, with his wife Carol in 1984; his dear brother in law and close friend, Wayne Hoffman (husband of Julie), a niece Shanna L. Litwin; and many other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, 3 nephews and many good friends.


Michael was very religious and a loving man with a true zest for life. His magnetic and sincere personality brought him hundreds of good friends.


Michael was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Weatherly. He was also involved over the years in many Community services, including The Knights of Columbus, The Community Chest, The Weatherly Events Committee, The church building and grounds committee as well as playing a very active part in the church festival for many years. He was also a member of the Hazleton Corvette club.


One of Mike's biggest joys was hunting with his sons and grandson. They all enjoyed the experience year after year.
He also had a passion for football, having played for Hazleton High School, and was closely following the progress of his grandson Evan, who plays for Marian Catholic High School.


He will be so very sorely missed by those he leaves behind as he begins his new life in Heaven with those loved ones who have been awaiting him.


Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 6-8 PM from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 318 Plains Street, Weatherly PA 18255 and again on Thursday morning from 10-11 AM.


Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM.


Interment at Union Cemetery, Weatherly, PA.


Masses and Memorials to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 318 Plains Street, Weatherly, PA 18255 or to the Men of Marian.


Guestbook may be signed at: www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com