Michael J. Bellew

Michael J. Bellew, 72, died peacefully on Sept. 12, 2025 after an accidental fall at his home in Chicago, Illinois. His brother, Brian, and his sister, Patricia, were at his side until his final breath.

Michael was born on January 21, 1953 to Peter and Ann (McInerney) Bellew of Fairfield, CT. The eldest of five children, he attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Fairfield for eight years, then went on to Fairfield Prep from which he graduated in 1971. Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut in 1975.

A gifted pianist, Michael had perfect pitch and would play boogie-woogie tunes on the family’s upright piano for his siblings as they danced. From time to time, as a teenager, he would play with his father’s Irish band at dances and weddings.

Like his siblings, Michael began working at a young age, saving all his earnings to pay for college. He had a paper route for years, starting at age 10, delivering the Bridgeport Post to about 70 customers seven days a week, 364 days of the year. As a teenager, he also caddied every summer at the Fairfield Country Club.

After college, Michael began a 35-year career in the chemical industry in New Jersey during which he worked for, among other companies, ExxonMobil Corp. and the Monsanto Co. While living in NJ, he was very active in the Westfield Outing Club and the Westfield Jaycees. He was honored by the Jaycees as Man of the Year in 1981 for his service to the organization and the community.

Known for his adventurous spirit, Michael was an avid biker and on weekends would set off on long rides in the rural areas of western New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, Michael was very devoted to his family and spent almost every major holiday with his parents and siblings at the home of his sister, Patricia.

Later in life, Michael suffered a number of health setbacks and moved to Chicago in 2023 to be closer to his brother, Brian. Struggling with early-stage dementia, he nonetheless fell in love with his home in the city and enjoyed the newfound time he got to spend with his brother. Chicago’s bustling Lincoln Park was one of Michael’s favorite places to walk in every season.

As Michael’s condition slowly worsened and he grew more anxious about his fading memory, Brian proved to be a compassionate and responsible caregiver. Brian visited Michael frequently, took him to doctors’ appointments and reassured him often that he would never face any challenge alone.

Only hours before his brother’s fatal fall, Brian felt compelled to send his brother what would turn out to be a final text between the two: “Michael, you have people who love you and care about you. Always remember that, brother.” Michael’s reply: “I will always, Bri.”

Michael is survived by his sisters, Patricia B. Gray and Janet Grab, and his brother, Brian F. Bellew, his nieces Christina M. Anders and Caroline M. Gray, and his nephew, John E. “Jet” Gray III. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Peter J. Bellew Jr.

Family and friends are invited to a wake from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19th at the Spear Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20th, followed immediately by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull, CT. All are invited to a reception at 1 p.m. at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road, in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family requests donations may be made to Fairfield College Prep School at the following link: https://www.fairfieldprep.org/giving/support-prep