Francis (Fran) DeBellis, 67, of Max Meadows, Virginia, born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10, 1950, beloved husband of Donna L. DeBellis passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2018. He passed peacefully in their home surrounded by his family, after a battle with brain cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Emma DeBellis both of Bethlehem.
 
He is survived by his wife, Donna and their two children; son Tony & his wife Heather DeBellis, grandson Luke DeBellis, daughter Nicole & her husband Derek Keefe, grandkids Madison & Grayson; three brothers, Fred & his wife Amy DeBellis, John & his wife Carol DeBellis, Bob & his wife Betsy DeBellis, and one sister, Marie & her husband Ronnie Yanochko; one sister-in-law, Debbie & her husband Chuck Schafer, and one brother-in-law, Rick & his wife Terri Steinbach; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
 
Fran graduated from Virginia Tech in December 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His career began in Bluefield, West Virginia, with Appalachian Power Company (AEP) as an electrical engineer. Then Fran left AEP as an engineering supervisor in 1999 to take a position at Virginia Tech Electric Service. There he continued his career, until 2017, when he retired as the director of Virginia Tech Electric Service. He was also a member of Blue Ridge Power Agency from 2001-2017. In December 1969, Fran joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He met his wife of 36 years Donna, while both were students at Virginia Tech. They married in October 1981, and settled in Max Meadows to raise their family. He was a member of the Greater Bluefield JAYCEES from 1980-82. He enjoyed coaching soccer and t-ball for many years, and helped both start and coach high school soccer at Fort Chiswell High School. Fran attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wytheville. He also was a long-term Boy Scout Member of Troop 60.  He enjoyed hiking, being outdoors, and, later in life, working on Ford Thunderbirds.  He is also survived by his best friend and companion, a blue heeler mix named Colby.
 
A viewing will be conducted on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville, Virginia.  A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. with Deacon Charles May officiating.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the American Cancer Society.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Virginia is serving the DeBellis family.
 

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