Joe Bellanca '65

Joe Bellanca, a 1965 Rush-Henrietta graduate, is a longtime supporter of the Royal Comets and the driving force behind the good work done by the Rush-Henrietta Alumni Council.

A retired banking administrator, Joe has a long history of service to his community and alma mater. In 2006, for example, he identified a need to reconnect graduates with the school district and became one of the founding members of the Rush-Henrietta Alumni Council. That is the very organization that sponsors the annual Alumni Council Hall of Fame induction ceremony. His selection was made this year without his knowledge.

Joe has served as president of the Rush-Henrietta Alumni Council since its inception and has been relentless in his efforts to connect graduates with one another and with their school district. As part of his work supporting the council, Joe assists the district with alumni communication, guides and supports class reunions, and informs and advises the school district on matters of interest to Rush-Henrietta alumni. He has given countless tours of Rush-Henrietta schools to alumni who are attending class reunions and is always available to provide advice and support to those interested in organizing alumni events.

In 2009, the Rush-Henrietta Central School District recognized Joe for his efforts by honoring him with its annual Volunteer of the Year award. In addition to his service to the school district, Joe helps the community in other roles. For example, he volunteers as a member of the town of Henrietta’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and as chair of the Henrietta Board of Assessment Review. Joe is a packer and driver for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal, and has volunteered for the LPGA Rochester International golf tournament, Neighborhood Housing Association, Catholic Family Center, and Rush-Henrietta Education Foundation.

This year, when the Henrietta Foundation assumed operation of the former Executive South Golf Course on East Henrietta Road, Joe stepped up to volunteer as its first range manager. It’s just the latest in a long line of examples that demonstrate his willingness to help the community.

Joe and his wife, Connie, live in Henrietta. They have two children, Joe Jr. and Wendi, both of whom are Rush-Henrietta graduates.