In Loving Memory of Samuel “Sam” Joseph Bellavia Jr

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and friend. Samuel “Sam” Joseph Bellavia, who passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 75.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake, FL 32159.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Bellavia, his daughter, Karen Bellavia, and son John Santoro as well as his sisters, Judy Hurley and Janet Curry. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Bellavia.

Sam was one of a kind man who had a personality just as profound as his signature mustache. He had a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life and built meaningful relationships along his journey. The incredible amount of people who stopped by, called, and reached out during his illness was a true testament to the lives he touched and the friendships he made throughout his life.

Sam was a talented carpenter and cabinet maker who could make, build, or fix just about anything. There was very little he couldn’t figure out. His hands were rarely still, and he took pride in creating things that were not only useful, but built to last. After retiring from carpentry and cabinet making, Sam continued doing what he loved which was helping people in The Villages, Florida.

He enjoyed golf, scuba diving, tinkering in his garage and spending time with friends and family.

Sam and his beloved wife Carol Bellavia, were the cutest little pair. Their story began when they met in New Mexico, and together they embarked on a life filled with love, hard work, determination, and more than a few challenges.

They moved to Colorado with very little, chasing a dream and simply hoping to make a life together. They struggled, worked hard, and persevered. Eventually, they bought their first home and poured their hearts into making it perfect for their family. Sam’s talent and love were woven into that home, as he even built the furniture himself.

After selling their first home, they bought a second and remodeled it together, continuing to build the life they had always dreamed of. But when they both lost their jobs, they faced yet another difficult chapter.

Rather than give up, Sam and Carol did what they had always done. They faced it together. They decided Colorado was no longer the right place for them and once again packed up their lives and moved to Florida, hoping for a fresh start. It was there, after surviving yet another major struggle together, that they found the happiness they had worked so hard for.

What a team they were!

Through every challenge, every move, every setback, and every new beginning, Sam and Carol stood beside one another. Their love was built not only on the good times, but on the strength they found in each other when life was difficult. They truly built a life together, one that was filled with love, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that they could get through anything as long as they had each other.

Sam leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, resilience, craftsmanship, friendship, and family. His memory lives on in the home he helped build, the things he created with his own hands, the countless people he helped, the friendships he cherished, and most of all, in the people who were lucky enough to love him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to greyhoundsinmotion.com.  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.