Allan C. Bellew

WILDER -  Allan Clark Bellew, 98, long-time Central Vermont resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT.

Born on November 16, 1919 in Winchester, MA, he was the son of John and Isabel Bellew.  He graduated from Winchester High School in 1937 and maintained strong lifelong friendships from his childhood years in Winchester.  After high school he attended Wagner Sign School in Boston.

At the outbreak of World War II, Allan enlisted in the United States Army.  He served with distinction in the Pacific Theater in the 238th AAA Searchlight Battalion in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Philippines and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant.

On July 9, 1946 he married Caroline Haugh.  They met while both worked at the Everyday Bookshop in Boston.  They lived in Williamstown VT for 40 years where they raised their family before moving to Montpelier.  After becoming empty nesters, they spent many happy winters in Orange City, Florida.  In 2005 they moved to Wilder, VT where Allan cared for Caroline for several years until her death in 2012.

Allan began his career as a sign painter and operated Bellew Sign Company in Barre for several years, then later worked for Barre Sign Company until his retirement.  He was also a substitute rural mail carrier in Williamstown, a job he enjoyed as it led him to meet many town residents.  Children sending letters to Santa might just find a handwritten reply in their mailbox the next day.

Allan enjoyed ice skating, running, tennis and listening to Big Band music and spending time with friends and family.  He could fix almost anything.  His daughters have fond memories of him telling them original bedtime stories.  He was a member of the Freemasons of Vermont for 60 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Caren LaRocque and her husband Andrew of Church Hill, TN, and Sally Bellew of Wilder, VT, a grandson Jason Billings and his wife Krista of Church Hill, TN, and a granddaughter Lesley Donahue and her husband Michael of Southington, CT.  He also leaves two grandsons, Connor and Ronin Billings of Church Hill, TN as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Edmands.

A graveside service to celebrate and honor Allan's life will be held at Hope Cemetery in the spring at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.  Allan's family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Lazar, Deborah Shope, and all the staff at the VA Hospital in White River as well as the staff of the VA Eye Clinic in Jamaica Plain, MA.

Memorial contributions in Allan's name may be made to the Salvation Army or to Advance Transit, PO Box 1027 Wilder, Vermont 05088. He appreciated Advanced Transit bus services and their friendly drivers after he stopped driving for himself.