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Paul Michael Bellissimo was born on Aug 27, 1946, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y. to Veronica (Vera) and John (Jack) Bellissimo and reared in Uniondale, NY. He enlisted in the New York Air National Guard in 1967 and was based at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. He served as Loadmaster with the 106th Military Airlift Wing and in 1975, he attended and graduated Pararescue school, reporting to the newly formed PJ section based at Westhampton Beach, NY. From 1975 through 1995 he served with the 102 Air Rescue Squadron and 106th Air Rescue Wing supporting numerous rescue missions flying on the HH-3E Sikorsky and the HC130 Hercules. In December 1979, he supported the rescue of nine crew members from the sailing vessel John F. Leavitt. He provided leadership on the unit's transition to the HH-60G helicopter and in 1987, he helped pioneer the Space Shuttle rescue operations and supported numerous shuttle launches during that program. In 1991 he deployed to Saudi Arabia following Operation Desert Storm, which later transitioned to Operation Southern Watch. His personal awards include the Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation medal, and he is entitled to wear the Southwest Asia Campaign Medal as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. Following his military career, he attended the State University of New York at Stony Brook, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science, graduating summa cum laude, and continued as a graduate student to earn a Master of Arts degree in teaching social studies. His talents were many and his energy boundless; he was industrious, resilient, and faithfully loyal to those he loved. He challenged the status quo and staunchly advocated and empowered his PJ teammates; he was a great American, airmen, and patriot. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his nine grandchildren, collected antique musical machines, loved the craps table, and had aspired to become a better cook. He is survived by his children, John Bellissimo and daughter-in-law, Mary Jo, Matthew Bellissimo and daughter-in-law, Kristi, Emily Murphy and son-in-law, Jon, Sarah Bellissimo, Rachel Patern and son-in- law, Mike; grandchildren, Sophia Bellissimo, John Bellissimo, Grace Murphy, Kaleb Gatto, Christian Bellissimo, Caroline Murphy, Brandon Bellissimo, Tyler Bellissimo, Madelyn Murphy; his brother, John Bellissimo; sister-in-law, Felecia Bellissimo; niece, JoAnn Buhler; nephews, John Bellissimo, James Bellissimo, Joseph Bellissimo, and their spouses. The family is holding a private memorial service on Friday, November 28th at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at VFW Post 4350 101 Old Riverhead Road Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pararescue Association: https://pjassociation.com/donate Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Bellissimo family.

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Paul Michael Bellissimo

August 27, 1946 - November 7, 2025