Virginia Bellino 1926-2023

Virginia was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Youngstown, the daughter of Anthony and Esperina Worrellia DeLuco, and was affectionately known by everyone as “Tootsie.”

She was a 1945 graduate of East High School and was a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley.

After graduation. Tootsie was employed at Welles Department Store, along with the Mahoning National Bank Bond Window downtown Youngstown for many years.

Virginia married the love of her life, Francis “Chick” Bellino, June 7, 1947, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in a ceremony presided by Monsignor Vito Franco. Together they began a family and were blessed with more than 73 years of wonderful memories together until his passing, Oct. 19, 2020.

Tootsie was also a proud homemaker, which brought her great joy. She centered her life around her family, always making them her top priority. Tootsie loved spoiling all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their Grammy. She was a fabulous baker and cook, and her family will miss her pizzelles, along with all the other excellent Italian dishes she prepared.

Virginia was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica. She held a special devotion to St. Anthony of Padua and participated for numerous years in his novena, which is held for 13 consecutive Tuesdays, and his Feast Day is always celebrated on June 13.

Tootsie had many enjoyments throughout her life. She would look forward to playing cards with her longttime card club ladies, which they did for many years.

Tootsie leaves behind to hold onto precious memories of her, two children, Nicholas (Marlene) Bellino and Kathy (Joseph) LaRocca, both of Liberty; her four grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Bellino, Dr. Nicholas Bellino, Nicole (Mark) Schroedel and Jennifer (Joe) Paris; eight great-grandchildren, Nixon, Silvio, Kamryn, Carson, Sienna, Anella, Gianna and Nico; and many nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Toots;” along with cousins and friends.

Virginia is now reunited with her parents, Anthony and Esperina DeLuco; her beloved husband, Francis; an infant grandson; a sister, Mary Ann (Sam) Mortellaro; a brother, Francis (Lucille) DeLuco; and her father- and mother in-law, Nicola and Rose Bellino.

Family and friends may pay their respects 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman, where a prayer service will be held at 12:25 p.m. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio officiating.

Burial will take place next to her husband, in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Bellino family.

(special notice)