Joseph "Rich" Bellemare

Joseph R. Bellemare, “Rich”, 84, of Naugatuck, the beloved husband of Claire (Kozich) Bellemare for 64 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by four generations on Tuesday February 5, 2019 at the St Mary’s Hospital VITAS Hospice Care Unit in Waterbury.

Rich was born in Waterbury, CT on April 16, 1934, son of the late Henri and Lydia (Bourassa) Bellemare.  Rich graduated from St. Anne’s School in Waterbury and made his home with Claire in Naugatuck where they welcomed 8 children.  He was a long time diesel mechanic and later in life retired as a Printer.  As pictured here, Rich proudly served as a medic in the National Guard helping to rescue countless people during the Flood of 1955.

A devoted family man, Rich spent most of his free time with his loved ones and while a humble man, he had the most generous of hearts and welcomed all who entered his door.  Rich enjoyed building and creating things and transferred this vast knowledge to his sons and grandsons and maybe even a little to his daughters and granddaughters. He enjoyed his summers at Black Rock and later in life at the park with his numerous grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Claire, Rich is survived by his eight children, Richard Bellemare (Wendy), James Bellemare, Elaine James, Mary Mitchell (Michael), John Bellemare (Michelle), Barbara Yale (Lucas), Christopher Bellemare (Melissa), and Michelle DiMauro; his grandchildren, James Bellemare Jr.(Karen), Camille Bellemare, Thomas James (James), Maggie Bellemare, Joseph Bellemare, Kora Yale, Christopher Bellemare, and Jordan Diamuro; his great grandchildren, Josh, Christian, Meghan, James III, Teah, and Logan;  his great great grandson, Austin.  He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Jennifer James, his son in law, Martin James, and his daughter in law, Rose Bellemare.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday February 9, 2019 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, followed by a service to begin at noon.  Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council are asked to meet at 11:45 a.m.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank, 75 Spring Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

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