Edward A. Bellas

"Coach Ed Bellas" Edward Anthony Bellas age 78, famed Allen Park football coach and High School educator died of heart failure on January 6, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. in Plymouth, MI. Coach lived and taught in Allen Park for over 40 years. Coach Bellas retired from teaching and coaching after the 1995-96 school year. He moved to his "dream" home near Cadillac, MI seven years ago. During his career he served the students and community through various roles that included teacher, history department head, club sponsor, and most significantly high school football coach at all levels. Coach Bellas was born in Tarentum, PA in 1931, the only son of August Bellas and Anna Kutney. He attended Shippensburg State Teacher College in Pennsylvania. He credits "Coach Rambo" at Shippensburg for scouting and offering him a football scholarship. Upon his college graduation he was scouted by the Pittsburgh Stealers, however, was drafted to the military during the Korean War. Coach attended the University of Michigan in the late 60's where he earned a Masters Degree in World Geography. During his outstanding coaching career at Allen Park High School, he was inducted into five Football Hall of Fames: Michigan High School Football Coaches Association, Michigan High School Coaches Association, Shippensburg University Athletic, City of Allen Park Sports, and Sports Sages. "Coach" as he was well named, built a football program at Allen Park High School that compared to no other. His talent for relating to teens and imparting to them that "the game was more than just playing, it was about how one lived their life off the field too." He was instrumental in securing numerous football scholarships for Allen Park football players during his football career that changed the lives of many. Coach Bellas was an avid sportsman and proudly taught his three daughters outdoor skills such as fishing, archery and the use of firearms. His love of nature was depicted through his numerous hunting and fly fishing trips. He was an adored grandfather of eight grandchildren who learned life's lessons from his colorful stories about his growing up in a coal mining town, Michigan history and Native Indian folklore. His specific interests in retirement included, watching football and CNN, "discussing" his political views, playing slots at Little River Casino, and caring for his feathered friends that relied on him during the northern Michigan cold winters. Edward is survived by three daughters, Dr. Debra Christian (Lou Tilley) of Plymouth, Renee Bellas (Robin Neill) of Livonia and Leanne Glei (Paul) of Allen Park . Grandchildren include, Eric Christian, Brian Christian, Colin Rish, Claire Rish, August Glei, Ian Glei, Weston Glei and Amelia Glei. Companion Patricia Daugerty of Lilly, PA. Mr. Bellas' surviving siblings include: Margaret Stanley of Garden City, Helen Smith of Allen Park, Ethel Gherardi of Allen Park and MaryAnn Walcott of Gibralter. Mr. Bellas was predeceased by his wife Sarah (Sally) Jane Dishart, December 14, 2007 and his sister Eleanor Schott, August 13, 2003.