Richard John Bellew

Richard John Bellew, 75, of Smithfield, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He was the son of the late Bernard Joseph Bellew and Helen Veronica Rakiec Bellew. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Ann Bellew; daughter, Bethany Ann LaNeave (Travis); grandchildren, Nathaniel Bryce LaNeave and Madison Paige LaNeave; brother, Bernard Bellew; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 26, 1949. He joined the United States Navy in 1967 and met his wife Linda a few short years later. Linda and Richard were married in April of 1973 and welcomed their daughter Bethany in 1980. He retired in 1990 as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant and moved his family back to Virginia. After retirement, he worked at Wometco Amusements running their Virginia operations. After that, he worked for the Virginia Lottery for several years until finally retiring. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with his family. He had a unique sense of humor and leaves behind a legacy of love for everyone in his family. His greatest joys in life were his two grandchildren who brought numerous memories and joy to him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on April 29, 2025, at 11am, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 300 Smithfield Blvd, Smithfield, VA, with burial to follow at Albert G Horton Veterans Cemetery at 2pm.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com