Obituary of Vincent August Belleci

Vincent August Belleci born on May 30, 1924 and passed on March 16, 2015. He was 90 years old. He was the oldest of his siblings Rosalie Salomone (Jimmy) Erasimo "Raz", Anthony Belleci all deceased along with his parents Neno and Katherine. Vince is survived by his wife Pansy and his step-children Antonia Ruccello (JJ), Michael Calabrese and Peter Calabrese (deceased). His greatest pride and job his grandson John Joseph Ruccello Jr. and many nieces and nephews. Vince started fishing at 12 years old with Antonio Russo, then went to work at the Carmel Cannery supplying the packers "the ladies with oval cans". As a teenager Vince had a 15 minute radio program every Sunday morning playing Italian music on his accordion. It was station KDON at the Del Monte Hotel, now the Navy Post Graduate School. At 16 Vince went fishing on his Grandfather's boat the "Serra", along with his grandfather E.S. Lucido, his dad Neno and Uncles Neno, Sal and Frank Lucido. World War II came and Vince went into the service in the Air Force. He got rheumatic fever while stationed in Chicago at the Stevens Hotel, where he was attending Radio School. After a 30 day leave in Monterey, hew was shipped to Europe. He fought in the European Theater, in the 368 Fighter Squadron that supported General Patton's 3rd Army thru Germany until the war ended. He landed on Omaha Beach and went through Normandy and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he sailed into Boston Harbor USA! When Vince came home safe his parents threw a party every day for 30 days! The Belleci's were known to give big family get togethers at their Carmel Valley home. He fished for Blue Fin Tuna off the Coast of Mexico, Nicaragua, Central America and the Guadalupe Islands. Fished for sardines on the boat Santa Ana, Star of Monterey, Providenza, and the Rizzo Brothers. He fished herring in San Francisco, and in Togiak, Alaska. Vince fished in Nak Nek, Alaska in Bristol Bay for 30 years with Joe Fernandez. Vince was also a carpenter working for Bob Haller Construction. He built several homes, one being the Silverthorne. He built his step-son Michael's home and barn. Vince made the form that surrounds the Santa Rosalia Statue on the float. Vince went to Monterey High School. He played football along with such "greats" as Nicky Albert, Joe Colletto, Mike Colletto, Don Berquist, Tommy Lucido and John Canepa. We are all very blessed to have had Vince as our husband, father, "Grandfather", Uncle and godfather. He has greatly enriched all of us and all who knew him. A Funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 9:30 am - San Carlos Cathedral, Monterey, CA. and committal with military honors at San Carlos Cemetery following.