It is with great sadness that the family of Camillo “Cam” Belluz announces his passing on Saturday, July 18, 2009 in the arms of his beloved wife, Josephine.
Camillo was born Oct. 18, 1922 in Fort Frances, Ont. to the late Arturo and Salute Del Bel Belluz.
At the age of three, Cam went to Assano, Decimo, Italy to visit his grandparents, and he did not return to Fort Frances until the age of 14.
Upon his return, Cam went to St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he learned to speak English. As a young man growing up, he loved making balsa wood model airplanes, weightlifting, and bicycle racing.
After completing his education, Cam tried his hand at logging, running the 5 Roses Bakery, and then found his calling when he secured an apprenticeship as a stone mason in Thunder Bay. Upon completion, he returned to Fort Frances and established himself as a superior craftsman.
His work on La Verendrye Hospital and St. Mary’s Church will forever remain a legacy in the community.
He was united in marriage to Josephine DelZotto on Oct. 18, 1952 and together in 1967, Cam and Jo started their concrete business which, after 42 years, has become a staple in Rainy River District and beyond. The business, which began in the garage, has grown enormously.
Cam loved the challenge of successfully making items no one else could make. It was clear to all who knew Cam that he was passionate about what he did. He has made a lifetime of memories that will live on in both the community and his family.
That’s business, that’s family. That was Cam Belluz.
In his years at the shop, people often would bring him statues and other keepsakes to repair that were almost destroyed and he painstakingly would bring them back piece by piece. Rob would tell his friends that his Dad had even rebuilt Jesus and Mary (both statues still stand in the back of the sanctuary at St. Mary’s).
His business motto was very simple: if you were going to do a job, any job, do it right or don’t do it.
There was no task he would not try to do, and he would always tell you that there was a way to make it work.
Cam leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Josephine, their children, Robert (Lisa), Artina (Les), and Michael (Melissa), and seven grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, Adriane, Maggie, Braedon, Connor, and George, all of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are his sisters, Hilda Rizzo (Jack) of International Falls, Mn. and Marie Eliuk of Sioux Lookout, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Belluz of Ottawa, Ont., and Melba Belluz and Lydia Ferguson of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arturo and Salute Del Bel Belluz; son, Ricky; brothers, Paul and Eden; parents-in-law, Emma and David DelZotto; and brothers-in-law, Louis DelZotto and Mike Eliuk.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with parish prayers at 7 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be John Kepes, David DelZotto, Matthew Gurski, George Halverson, John LePine, and Les Gurski.
The honourary pallbearers will be Severino Piccinato, Ken Perry, Jay Burnett, Steve Buttner, David Ferguson, Wilfred Belluz, Seppo Viherjoki, Albert Perin, and Dan Belluz.
In memoriam donations may be made to help establish an Applied Trade Bursary in Cam’s memory through the FFHS Endowment Fund, 440 McIrvine Rd., Fort Frances, Ont, P9A 3T8 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 in memory of Ricky.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
