John was born in New York City to John and Winifred Bellew on August 17, 1942. He was a lifelong resident of the city he loved so well. He was graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and earned his BA in economics from Pace University. Chase Bank was his employer for 25 years in positions of Assistant Treasurer and Vice President. His employment was interrupted  for two years during which he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his retirement from Chase, he worked in real estate in NYC as an agent and broker in residential eastside properties. As a man of great humor, John wove many stories in his lifetime and loved folk music. 

He was and will always remain the beloved brother of Msgr. Francis Bellew, sister Winifred and William Walsh, and uncle of Jennifer, Danielle, and Briana and Sean Neeld.

John was a faithful Catholic who participated in Mass regularly at St. Patrick's Cathedral and supported generously the charitable and educational programs of the Archdiocese. In the last seven months of his life, John displayed his deep faith, remarkable courage in suffering, perseverance and undeniable hope.

The family is grateful for the spiritual care John received from the Carmelite Sisters at Mary Manning Walsh Home, and from Fr. John Anderson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm at St. Teresa's Motherhouse, 600 Woods Road, Germantown, NY 12526.

Reposing Thursday, September 12, at 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. Funeral Mass on Friday, September 13 at 9:45am at St. Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church Bronx, NY.  Burial will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, NY.