BRANTINGHAM - James Michael Bellanca 73, passed away June 16, 2021 at his home in Brantingham, NY surrounded by his wife and daughters, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Jim was born December 29, 1947 in Dunkirk, NY to Dr. Joseph and Diana (Loup) Bellanca, Sr. He attended Gowanda Central School, where he was active in sports and music. He was selected for the Columbus Boy Choir (now known as the American Boy Choir) and performed throughout the United States in his 7th and 8th grade years. He obtained a BA degree in Psychology from St. Leo University in Florida, and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY.

Jim began his career at the Cattaraugus County Drop-In Center in 1973 before starting his employment with The Rehabilitation Center in 1974, as a placement specialist/rehabilitation counselor. On August 24, 1974, he married Ann Harvey Lorenzini at St. Mary of the Angels Church.

He became the director of SubCon Industries before becoming the COO in 1984, and President/CEO in 2000; he retired in January 2014. James was extremely passionate about his work and the people whom he served. His most meaningful honor was the creation of the annual Jim Bellanca "Building Brighter Futures Award" to be given to deserving SubCon program participants.

Jim was an active member of, or served on the boards of, many community and professional organizations, including the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, the Genesis House, Olean Kiwanis Club, Olean General Hospital, and the NYS Rehabilitation Association. In 2012 he was honored to receive the Adrian Levy Professional Leadership Award by the NYS Rehabilitation Association. He was a past member of the Springville Country Club, Bartlett Country Club, the Olean Racquet Club, and St. Mary of the Angels Church.

Jim was a loving husband and father, and enjoyed spending time with his family above all else. He coached his daughters' sports teams in their younger years, and supported their every endeavor. He cherished family vacations to Nantucket, Disney World, KeyWest, and most of all Italy. Upon his retirement, he and Ann moved to Brooklyn, New York to be closer to their daughters, but spent summers at their camp in Brantingham, NY. Jim loved golf, boating, kayaking and bicycling when not working on house projects. He found it difficult to sit still! He became an avid cyclist, who enjoyed exploring all boroughs of NYC on his bike. He loved experiencing the local culture, going to movies, attending hockey and baseball games, and being immersed in the music of the New York Philharmonic.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann; his daughters Maggie (Benjamin Jenkins),age 37, and Maria Bellanca, age 34, both of Brooklyn; his sister Donna Bellanca (Ronald Preston) of Gowanda, NY; his brother Joseph Bellanca of Fort Lauderdale, Fl; and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins. He was very excited about the coming arrival of his first grandchild, a baby girl. He was predeceased by his parents, and beloved pets: Abbey, Lady Emma, Tigerlily, and Rufio.

Funeral arrangements are through Sundquist Funeral Home, Lowville, NY. A funeral Mass will be said 10:00 AM on July 6, 2021 at St. Peters Catholic Church, Lowville, NY. Burial will follow at the Brantingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Intandem (formerly The Rehabilitation Center}, 1439 Buffalo St, Olean, NY 14760; Lewis County Hospice, 7775 N. State St, Lowville, NY 13367; and VNSNY Hospice, 107 E. 70th St, 5th fl, New York, NY 10021