Obituary of Harold R. Bellinger

Mr. Harold R. Bellinger, Sr., 85, of Upper Franklin Street, Fultonville, NY died peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam with his family by his side. Born on May 1, 1925, Harold was the son of the late Furman C. Bellinger and Mildred V. Winne Bellinger. A lifelong area resident, Harold was a graduate of Fultonville High School and spent all his life in the Mohawk Valley. On March 7, 1948 he was united in marriage to the former Lucy Mary Steadwell at the Delanson Methodist Church in Delanson. Inseparable for nearly 63 years, they have become a symbol of inspiration to their family and friends for their loving and enduring marriage. Together they established their locally known farm on the hill and their large family. Harold was also an insurance agent for many years for Saratoga Mutual and later Fulmont Mutual. He was a member of the Glen Reformed Church, the Glen Grange, a lifetime member of the Montgomery County Fair Association, where he also served as a Director, the Montgomery County Farm Bureau, and the Otsquago Coin Association. Harold was also very civic minded, serving as a public servant in many capacities beginning in 1974. He served as Glen Town Supervisor from 1974 until 1983, and as Glen Councilman from 1986 until 1993. Harold also served on Senator Donald Mitchell's Academic Advisory Committee on Prospective Candidates of Army, Navy, and Air Force; President of the Montgomery County Artificial Breeders Association; and a member of the Montgomery County Conservation Office, the Dairy Farmers of America; and was a charter member of the Kiwanis and the Masonic Lodge. Although Harold was a hard worker for all of his life, truth is he never liked milking his cows on his 600 acre farm. Instead, he always liked mingling with his family, friends and the good people of his community. He will be sadly missed for all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his beloved wife, Lucy Bellinger; six children, David A. Bellinger, Glenn R. Bellinger, Gloria J. Kimball, Denise A. Hayes and her husband Larry, Harold R. "Butch" Bellinger, Jr. and his fiancé Jessica Covey, and Rebecca L. Finn, Sr. and her husband Bryan; two siblings, Thomas L. Bellinger and Beverly Olmstead; 13 grandchildren; two great granddaughters; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son Donald A. Bellinger and a brother Kenneth Bellinger. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1 o'clock at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY with the Rev. Charles Hesselink presiding. Private interment will take place at a later date in Maple Avenue Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 4 until 7p.m. at the funeral home. Members of the Fultonville Lodge F&AM #531will gather at 6:30p.m. for their ritual. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Bellinger's name may be made to the Glen Reformed Church or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home office.