Obituary: John Joseph Belliveau, 98, of Norwich

Information via Labenski Funeral Home

John Joseph Belliveau, 98, of Norwich, passed to eternal life on November 13, 2016.

Born June 15, 1918, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada, son of the later Edgar Joseph and Mary Margaret (Ryan) Belliveau. On May 30, 1942, he was united in marriage to Mary Ethel LeBlanc Belliveau, who died September 27, 2009.

He is survived by six children: Mary Ann Boudreau Brautigam (Arthur) of Leesburg, Florida; Roger Belliveau (Anne) of Floral City, Florida; Nancy Barry (Michael) of Lisbon; Maureen Lanoue (Joseph) of Norwich; Kathryn Lavoie (John) of Quaker Hill; and Lisa Belliveau of Montgomery Village, Maryland. He also leaves behind eleven grand-children, eleven great-grandchildren, foreign exchange student/adopted daughter Marja-Liisa Rantapelkonen of Finland, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by granddaughter Deirdre Boudreau, son-in-law Donald R. Boudreau, great-grandsonJustin Key, and nine siblings: Edward "Red" Belliveau, Marie Gertrude Oloff, Michael JamesBelliveau, Clarence E. "Dede" Belliveau, Reverend Norbert E. Belliveau, Irene Perkowski, RobertWilliam Belliveau, Thomas Arthur Belliveau, and Margaret LeBlanc.

John was a man of great faith and strength, a loving father and grandfather, who set a wonderful example for his family and friends. His life was one of service to others, particularly in his church, where he was the altar server for many years at daily Mass and at all funerals.

He retired as a welder from General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division in July, 1984. At the age of 55, he received his GED.A communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Norwich town, he served as Trustee, Eucharistic minister, lector, member of the Third Order of St. Francis, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the parish bible study group, prayer group, the Cursillo Movement,the Charismatic Movement, and the Pro Life Movement.

In addition, he took on projects at the church including cleaning the parking lot, trimming the shrubs, caring for the votive lights, providing transportation to Mass for residents of St. Jude Common and others in the community, and visiting and bringing the Eucharist to the home bound.

In 1997, he received two parish recognitions: one as theparish's Outstanding Senior Citizen and another awarded presented by Centennial Honors Committee. In addition to his church affiliations, he was also a member of the local AARP chapter.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Beechwood in New London who so lovingly cared for John.

The family will receive family and friends on Friday, Nov. 18th, from 5-8 pm. at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Avenue, Norwich, where the funeral will assemble on Saturday, Nov 19th, at 9:30 am. and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 52 West Town Street, Norwich. Entombment to follow in St. Mary Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either Sacred Heart Church,52 West Town Street, Norwich, CT 06360 or to the Haitian Health Foundation, 97 Sherman Street, Norwich, CT 06360.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com.