Joseph E. Bellas

Joseph E. Bellas, husband, father, brother, pappy, 81 years of age, of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on March 12, 1944, in Eckley, the son of the late George and Helen (Washko) Bellas. He was a graduate of the former Foster Township High School and honorably served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. Joe’s unwavering work ethic was the cornerstone of his life, a value he instilled in his children throughout his 40-year career in the strip mines with Pagnotti Enterprises.

A man of simple pleasures, Joe enjoyed the quiet challenge of a crossword puzzle, traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and the constant companionship of his beloved beagle, Bailey. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church. In quieter times, Joe could be found at a nearby airport watching the planes take off and land. Joe had an uncanny ability to be able to identify the make and model of the planes. 

While he took pride in his work and service, Joe’s most cherished role was that of "Pappy." He was a fixture in the stands at Crestwood High School, where he was an ardent supporter of the Comets, never missing a chance to watch his grandchildren compete in football, lacrosse, band, and supporting Kendal's cheerleading competitions, while also attending their many extracurricular activities.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Nina M. (Roman) Bellas; his children, Melissa J. Isom and her husband Matthew, Christopher J. Bellas and his wife Rachel, and Brett J. Bellas and his wife Samantha; his sister, Regina Kardisco; and his eight cherished grandchildren: Brittney Isom (and companion Koro), Allyson Martin (wife of Matthew), Molly Isom, Kendal Bellas, Cayden Bellas, Dylan Bellas, Karl Bruder, and Emma Bruder. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph E. Bellas, Jr.; his sisters, Helen Stefanik and Dolores DiNofrio; and his brother, George Bellas, Jr.Service Details:

Arrangements are being handled by the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 19th, from 5-7 at the funeral home. Joe will be laid to rest at a private service with military honors at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, January 20th.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be dropped off at Joe’s Celebration of Life, or can be made via venmo https://venmo.com/u/JosephBellasMemorial to support the Crestwood Football Program, Crestwood Lacrosse Program, Crestwood Band Program, and Heat All-Stars Competition Cheer Squad. 

Online condolences or a fond memory of Joe may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com