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Obituary of Michael T. Bellak
Michael T. Bellak, age 71, of Collegeville, PA passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022.
He was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on July 30, 1951, the son of the late Michael T. and Marion D. (Cain) Bellak. Michael has been living in Collegeville since 1998, formerly of Skippack, PA. He was a graduate of Norristown Area High School where he excelled as a basketball player. Michael was a skier, a fisherman, and in his day, a world class body surfer. He spent many enjoyable summer days at the beach in Ocean City, NJ with family and friends.
Michael was a silver and gold coin enthusiast and car enthusiast. A perfect day for him included a ride in his Mustang, poking around an antique shop or flea market to find a wooden box, an old lock & key, or a pen knife, and then heading home to enjoy a beer and watch football on TV.
Michael honorably served in the Army National Guard. He often shared stories about his numerous experiences during those years with his fellow guardsman.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patti (Warliga) Bellak of Collegeville; sister, Marion (and her husband Reese) Crowe of Springfield. Michael was a beloved brother in law to Lorraine (and her husband Tom) McGinley of Collegeville, Theresa Brandenberger of Trooper, and Michael (and wife Barbara) Warliga of Trappe. He deeply loved his nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Michael’s Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be private and held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Paralyzed Veterans of America
Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA, (610) 489-7900
www.msrfh.com https://msrfh.com/tribute/details/9354/Michael-Bellak/obituary.html#tribute-start
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David O'Hara
GOOD MAN, QUITE THE CHARACTER.
George Miller
At the time of Mikes service, I took the opportunity to say a few words, but there was one more point I wanted to make, it was the wrong time. For fear of being struck by lightning after the priest spoke, I saved it for now, over a year later.
Heaven is a big place and we all have this version of what it might be like. In general, it’s a lovely place where you have no worries, people are fanning you and feeding you grapes all day, and you get to meet all of your ancestors and so on. It’s a big place and there’s a lot going on, but I’m sure there’s got to be some number two person, somebody in charge of the day-to-day stuff and I want to ask that person, call her the Chief Operating Officer, to resurrect Michael’s 1968 International Blue, white convertible top, 327 in.³, 300 hp, four-speed with side pipes and Crager mags, his 1968 Corvette. I’m requesting the COO to do that for him. Give him full use of the car anytime he wants. (You can’t say that at a solemn occasion).
The things you do as 16/17-year-olds…picture this, July 1968… It’s 6:00 AM half way down the AC expressway on the way to OCNJ for the weekend. Mike is driving, Rick Huber is shotgun, Doug Schrack is tucked in the back and I (George Miller} am straddling the shifter in the middle (there are 2 seats). We pull over with no cars in sight and stop to get up the courage. We all agreed to see how fast the Corvette would go. Mike redlines it in all 4 gears. We got it up to 145 mph (that was it) and the toll booth was approaching. I still recall the toll booth operator smiling as he heard us coming from 2 miles away.
So, Michael keep shifting up there for all of us. We miss you. George