Donald W. Bellew

Donald W. Bellew, aka, OCD (One Cool Dude) born September 3, 1936 died peacefully at home on May 23, 2021 surrounded by his family.

He grew up in Cleveland where he graduated from Benedictine High School in 1955. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Technical Education from the University of Akron in 1977.

He married the love of his life, Patty Bellew (Clarke) on May 26, 1963. He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He spent his life doting over his family. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, love of life, and laughing so hard at his own jokes he couldn’t spit out the punchline.

He was a dedicated public servant. Drafted on October 1, 1959, he served 2 years in the Army. He spent his career helping others.

He retired from the Cleveland Police Department on July 15, 1994, after a 30-year distinguished career as a police officer (Badge #258).

Following his retirement, he made his mark on the local Mentor community. He was a parishioner at St. Bedes. His weekly routine consisted of delivering canned goods to the church and buying egg McMuffins for the women who worked at the local dry cleaners in exchange for rags. His rag obsession was obvious to anyone who met him. They were always piled high in his car, laundry room, basement, bathroom, and hanging out of his back pocket.

In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and working out at the local gym where he spent most of his time socializing. He will be missed dearly by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. He was a gentle soul who loved to make people laugh.

He is predeceased by his mother, Hazel Florence Bellew (Hamilton), father, Wilbur Francis Bellew, brothers, James Francis Bellew and Richard Ernest Bellew. His beloved dogs, Jesse Bellew and Hobbs Bellew.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Ann Bellew, son, John Donald Bellew, daughters, Lisa Ann Bellew-Peebles, (Maureen Clifford), Cindy Boehnlein (Michael Boehnlein) and four grandchildren, Alexander Ryan Peebles, Samantha Marren Peebles, Jacob Michael Boehnlein and Aidan Jonathan Boehnlein. His grand pups, Angus Boehnlein, Jack Clifford and Archie Peebles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 Am Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. Social distancing protocols will be enforced and masks are required.

Final resting place will be in Mentor Cemetery.

Family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd. #E, Mentor, OH 44060.