Anthony P. Bellai

Anthony P. Bellai, 51, of Rotterdam died at home on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Anthony was born in Niskayuna and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1983. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma University in 1988 and his Master’s degree from SUNY Albany. Anthony was a 1982 NYS Champion wrestler while at Mont Pleasant High School, was a two time National Jr. College Champion, and was a member of the Oklahoma University Division I Wrestling team. Anthony was a Physical Education teacher who always strove to make class fun and motivated his students to be their best. He was employed for the last 17 years at Saratoga Springs High School where he was also a wrestling coach at the varsity and modified levels, a girls' softball coach, and most recently a cross-country coach. He touched and influenced the lives of so many students and those he coached throughout his career. He was a man that never lost his smile and made life more enjoyable for those around him. He always had a joke at the ready, was an outstanding coach, and genuinely cared for each and every person who crossed his path. He had a love for music, especially the Beatles and Elvis, who he loved to impersonate. He was a devoted husband and father, whose family always came first. Most of all he loved his family, as evidenced by the way he was always the first to jump at an opportunity to help whenever it was needed. Nothing brought him more joy than being able to play in his brother's backyard basketball league with his daughter and son for the first time this summer. He was immensely proud of his children and all of their accomplishments. Anthony is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 28 years, Mariann Caputo Bellai, two children, Jessica Bellai and Anthony Bellai, Jr., and his parents, John and Joan Bellai, two sisters, Susan (Chuck) Boni of Rotterdam, Ann Marie (Joe) Badalucco of Rotterdam, his brother, John (Sue) Bellai of Rotterdam, brother-in-law; John (Jan) Demeo of Saratoga, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Diane Demeo. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home Ave. in Schenectady. A memorial mass was held on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Rotterdam.