Gerald "Jerry" Belli Sr.

Gerald (Jerry) Belli Sr, 71, of Torrington passed away on January 12, 2016, at home with his loving family by his side. Jerry was the beloved husband of Gaye (Boulli) Belli for 48 years. He was born in Torrington, CT on October 18, 1944, the son of the late Renny F. Belli and the late Eleanore (Brennan) Belli.

Jerry was very active as a youngster in the Torrington Y.M.CA., and at the age of 12 was the

New England Diving Champion. Jerry attended local schools and graduated from T.H. S. Class of

1962. After graduation, Jerry joined the Navy, and served aboard the USS Saratoga Aircraft

Carrier as a 3rd class aviation fire control technician for guided missiles and a radar technician.

After completing his duty with the Navy, Jerry became employed with SNET, and retired after

40 years from ATT, as a supervisor of Network Switching Systems. Jerry was also a wedding

photographer for Gerard Photography for several years. He was also employed by K-Tech

International as a technical support person.

Youth was always important to Jerry, and he was a Cub Scout leader, a little League coach,

Forbes P.T.O. president, and on the P.T.O. City Council. Jerry was a 50 year member ofthe

BPOE Elks Lodge #372, and was active in the youth events, the fishing derby, the hoop shoot

contest, earlier years with the children's Halloween and Christmas parties. The Elks organization

was very special to Jerry, and he was a waiter's team captain for many years, then a waiter,

he ran Scotch Bowling for many years, was on the House Committee, was chosen Elk of the

Year, and was a past Trustee.

After Jerry retired he became a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 55, which was

organized to help the cluster of Catholic Parishes. Jerry went on to become a 4th degree knight

with the Knights of Columbus Council #112. Jerry and his wife Gaye, were very active with St.

Francis Church. Jerry also enjoyed volunteering at the New England Air Museum at Bradley

Field, with two special friends. Jerry worked with the restoration crew and cleaned and

polished a World War II A-26 aircraft, which is now on display in the museum.

Besides his parents, Jerry was predeceased by a sister, Catherine Belli.

Jerry is survived by his brother Renny W. Belli of Torrington, his two sons, Jerry Jr. and his wife

Brita, of Fairfield, CT, and Kevin and his wife Shaine, of Somerville, MA, and his two

granddaughters, Eleanore (Ellie) and Henna" Belli of Fairfield, CT.

Calling hours will be Thursday, January 14, at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue,

Torrington, from 6:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 Noon at St.

Francis Church. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, South Main Street, Torrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Church, 130 Main Street, Torrington,

CT 06790, in memory of Jerry.