Obituary of Michael A. Bellerive

Michael A. Bellerive, 54, of Putnam, CT, passed away Tuesday evening, January 12, 2016, with his loving family at his side at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge, MA, following a courageous battle with cancer. Mike was the beloved husband of Laurette (Wilcox) Bellerive. Married for 34 years, Mike and Laurette were wed on October 17, 1981. A lifelong Putnam resident, Mike was born April 1, 1961 in Putnam, the son of the late Marcel and Lillian (Grenier) Bellerive. Mike was a longtime employee of Xtra Mart (Global Montello). He began his career with Xtra Mart in 1998 and worked as a manager in stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mike was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, as well as a former member of the Fish and Game Clubs in Pomfret and Putnam. Among his many passions, Mike enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, trips to the White Mountains and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. His greatest love and source of pride were his children. Skilled with his hands, Mike could fix anything and enjoyed challenging work. A truly generous man, Mike would not hesitate to drop what he was doing for anyone who needed his help. His altruistic nature was truly a source of inspiration for all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his love of life, his great laugh and quick wit, and his never ending well of kindness. He was a man who could make you smile on your worst day, and the first to congratulate you on your best. He leaves in addition to his wife Laurette; his boys David Bellerive and Benjamin Bellerive, both of Putnam; his siblings Gerald Bellerive of Dayville and Norman Bellerive of Lancaster, NH; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Theresa Gorski and Pete Bellerive. He also leaves the “children of his heart” -- “sons” Cory and Josh, and “daughters” Heather, Elisa, and Lyannae. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, CT. Burial will be in the spring in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Particle Accelerator, c/o United Services, 1007 North Main Street, Dayville, CT 06241 or the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St, I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com