Contributions to the tribute of Frank Bellavia

Sunday

February

Visitation at Funeral Home

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.

1225 Montauk Hwy

West Islip, New York, United States

Monday

February

Funeral Mass

9:30 am

Monday, February 26, 2024

St. Joseph's R.C. Church

39 North Carll Avenue

Babylon, New York, United States

Final Resting Place

St. Charles Cemetery

2015 Wellwood Avenue

Farmingdale, New York, United States

Obituary

Frank Bellavia, 72, of Babylon, NY, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on February 20th, 2024. Born on April 5th, 1951, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Salvatore and Antoinette Bellavia. Frank was a graduate of West Babylon High School and Castleton University in Vermont. Growing up, Frank’s love for the sport of lacrosse was infectious to all who knew him. A three-time captain, he started every game of his Castleton career and was awarded the coveted Robert “Rocky” Mezzetta Award, given to the senior who exudes strong character and athletic performance. Frank was later inducted into the Castleton Hall of Fame in 2011. As the co-owner of the Bellavia Auto Group, he oversaw Arnold Chevrolet/Buick in West Babylon. He was incredibly proud of his business and loved his employees like his own family. Frank was passionate about the automotive industry and he proudly served on the National Auto Dealer Council in addition to serving a term as the co-chairman of the National Buick/GMC Dealer Council. Frank had three hobbies he loved dearly and was eager to share them with friends and loved ones. From a young age, Franks’ family was involved in the horse racing business, and he turned this into a lifelong passion, spending many happy days as an owner and successful handicapper at the racetrack in both Saratoga and Queens, NY. Frank was an avid water sportsman, and through Arnold, he was an anchor sponsor of the Annual Suffolk Marine Spring Bass Tournament. He was a proud boat owner and some of his happiest days were spent with friends and family on the Great South Bay, or on Fire Island in the summertime. In addition to spending time on the boat, Frank loved Vermont. After his time at Castleton, he fell in love with the state and ultimately spent many happy holidays and long weekends with his family and friends in southern Vermont. When he wasn’t on the water, he could be found at the golf course enjoying quality time with his friends and family.

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Frank is survived by his wife, Eileen; his sons, Griffin (Vanessa) of Austin, TX, Conor (Morgan) of Riverside, CT, and Gregory (Kevin) of Chicago, IL and two grandsons, Rory and James; his brother, Joseph, sister-in-law Nancy, and his niece, Lucia. Frank was predeceased by his father, Salvatore, his mother, Antoinette, and his sister, Louise Alex. Frank will always be remembered as an incredibly loyal and generous person. He never said no to friends and family during a time of need. Frank’s legacy will live on through his family, especially when we spend time in his favorite places or participating in his favorite hobbies.