Patrick Bellino

Patrick Bellino, 69, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025 after a long and courageously fought battle with a terminal illness.

Predeceased by his wife of 25 years Laurie (nee Havens), his parents, Joseph Jr. and Ruth (nee Conklin), and his brother, Joseph III. He leaves behind his beloved children, Donna, PJ, Sandy, Andy, Edie and Danny and 8 grandchildren, Frankie, Ava, Ronnie, Mia, Casey, AJ, Vera and Lori. He is survived by his aunt Catherine of FL, his brother Anthony (Lynn), his sister-in-law Cheryl, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his lifelong friend Terry and various friends he’s made along the way.

Patrick was born in Newark to an Italian Irish working class family, his father Joe was a army veteran in 2 wars, serving in the special forces and training soldiers as a drill sergeant at Camp Kilmer. His mother, Ruth, was a hardworking, loving, homemaker who dedicated her life to her family and to raising children. Patrick and his brothers grew up living in the Felix Fold Housing projects in the first ward section of Newark. Patrick got his first job before the age of 10 as a shoe shine boy and did odd jobs. He watched his parents work hard to give him and his brothers a happy home and food in their bellies, after the Newark riots they left Newark and bought a old carriage house in the suburbs, his dad taught him and his brothers carpentry skills and they helped him turn it into a humble modest home to live in. Throughout their lives they all worked together as a family to support one another, survive and succeed.

Patrick wasn’t a bookworm, but he liked working with his hands, he went to school to become a diesel mechanic. He worked fueling planes at Newark airport even though he never flew in one. In his. 20s he started his own company called Pats Oil, providing repairs and oil delivery services until he lost his truck, and became the lead trouble shooter- boiler mechanic for Mitchell Supreme Oil Co. Later, he became a long-haul truck driver, which meant he often had to spend a lot of time on the road away from his family.  He was a man who couldn’t stay in one place for long, finding his home in the hum of an engine and the ever-changing horizon — preferring the scenic route to any single destination. Though his road was often a winding one, Patrick’s love and loyalty to his family always lead him back home.  He loved his children fiercely, even when his transient life kept him physically distant. Since he couldn’t be home, he would often bring his oldest son along with him for the ride, PJ always loved driving the open roads with his father; in the snow, sleet and rain; he watched him shift through the gears and talk on the CB radio, “Breaker 1-9 this is Night-Rider, cmon”, listening to some of his favorites like Willie Nelson, Elvis or Jim Croce…  “on the road again” singing, talking - or not talking, it didn’t matter, cause most of all PJ  just was happy to spend the time with his Dad.

Patrick was a man of paradoxes: hot-tempered, quick-witted, and charismatically flawed. Notorious for his hot temper and short fuse, he would often have immediate explosive reactions to challenges, annoyance or disrespect.  This side of his personality was intimidating to say the least; but it also made him emotionally transparent and honest. You never had to wonder what he was thinking; You always knew where you stood with him, whether you wanted to or not. As quickly as he angered, he was just as quick to offer a sincere apology when he knew he stepped over a line and move past things quickly.

Patrick was a man’s man - tough, strong and a fiercely loyal protector who would come you your rescue no matter the distance or cost, or despite not having much would gladly give you the shirt off his back — then probably insult your taste in clothing. Despite his rough exterior, he was a genuinely lovable and charming guy when he wanted to be.

When he wasn't behind the wheel, he was a true jack-of-all-trades, equally comfortable with a wrench, a hammer, or a questionable piece of advice. But absence never meant a lack of a legacy. Patrick was an unconventional teacher who passed on these invaluable skills to his children. He used his knowledge from being a Volunteer EMT to teach first aid, he taught them to fix cars (most often on the side of the road because his cars were always breaking down or going on fire);  to be handy and fix every day things with a do-it-yourself spirit.  to be frugal and thrifty, how to find bargains - like shopping at the salvation army, buying in bulk (50lb bags of potatoes) or driving to newark right to the slaughterhouse to fill the fridge with 100 lbs of chicken and chop meat and to garden and grow food yourself.  He taught them how to cook but his true passion was baking. He made the best cheesecakes and people begged him for his secret recipe; and most of all he taught his children to respect their elders, to be loyal to and protect your family, and to have common sense.  He used every dilemma, hardship or catastrophe as an opportunity to teach his children how to survive, be self-sufficient, respectful and resourceful.

Toward the end of his life, he found a profound peace and renewed sense of faith, finding comfort reading the Bible or listening to music. He made amends for past mistakes, understanding his own flaws made him more empathetic to the imperfections of others, forgiving and forgetting the past and had no ill thought or resentment towards anyone. He appreciated every visit, every phone call if only to say i love you.  He didn’t mind a call, no matter what time it was. He was happy to listen and let you vent out about problems, hear about your day or whatever was on your mind and offered sincere advice if you asked him for it.

Patrick’s legacy is not defined by material wealth but by the practical skills and life lessons he passed down that will continue to serve his kids and grandchildren he adored. —It is in these acts that they will carry his memory forward every time they get behind the wheel, fix whatever just broke, or bake a favorite recipe.

A mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Sparta NJ at a later date. Details will be posted and shared on Facebook once arrangements have been made.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Daniel J. Hughes Funeral & Cremation Service, Wilkes-Barre.

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