John K. Bellew, 85, of Braintree, slipped peacefully from this world on Tuesday May 19th, 2026, looking very much as if he had settled into his favorite recliner for a well-deserved nap.

John was the epitome of a “stand-up guy”: honest, reliable, a straight-shooter, and a man of great integrity. His easy-going, even-keeled nature made him a true pleasure to be around. He was a man of few words, but his words were always meaningful, helpful, and kind.

A gifted athlete from a young age, John excelled at baseball before marrying his sweetheart, Jackie. A full-time career at Gillette and a growing family didn’t leave much leisure time but John found time to play softball for the Gillette employee league, and later honed his passion for golf, an activity that he shared with friends both in and out of Gillette, as well as with his wife and children.

John loved to play games - board games, yard games (he was always up for a round of Corn Hole, even in his eighties!), but he most enjoyed card games…many a Saturday night was spent playing Rummy and laughing well into the evening with his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends/family - Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Venezuela, the US - but the Las Vegas trips were his favorite! Cards, slots, Craps, people-watching…he loved it all! Of course, John also reveled in the quiet moments he spent in his favorite chair, watching the Pats, the Bruins, golf, and the Gameshow network, all while snacking like an unsupervised twelve year old.

John was the second of four boys, and he truly loved spending time with his brothers. Growing up as close as could be when they were boys in Dorchester, they happily helped each other out as adults, assisting one another with car repairs, home repairs/remodels, and later in life, traveling and golfing together. Family was paramount to John, from helping care for his younger brothers when they were kids, to sharing his time and knowledge with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He never failed to show up for the people he loved and cared about. His presence will be sorely missed in this world.

John is the son of the late Charles and Mary (Flynn) Bellew and is predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jacqualyn. He is the loving father of Doreen Bielecki and her husband, Richard, of Braintree, John Bellew of Holbrook, and Wendy Bellew and her husband, John Volpini, of Braintree. John was the cherished brother of the late Charles Bellew and his surviving wife, Kathleen, of Weymouth, the late Richard and Ellen Bellew of Bridgewater, and the late James Bellew of Florida. He is the devoted “Papa” of Nicole, Michael, and Kevin Bielecki, and Michael Volpini, as well as the adoring great grandfather of Adrianna Mae and Cole Justice. John is a treasured brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many who loved him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Wednesday May 27th from 4:00 - 7:00pm at MacDonald Keohane Funeral Home (South Weymouth) at 809 Main St. A funeral home service will be celebrated on Thursday May 28th at 11:00am. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to The American Red Cross, 430 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.