Phil was born in Sterling, IL on March 19, 1944, to Philip and Pearl (Hussung) Bellini. He lived most of his life in Rock Falls. He attended both high school and college at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1966. He received his Masters from Rockford College in 1973 and received an Administrative Endorsement from Northern Illinois University.
Phil’s career as an educator spanned 45 years. He served as a teacher, coach and administrator at Montmorency School from 1966-1983. He served as Principal at St. Andrew Catholic School in Rock Falls from 1983-2011 and as Superintendent at Newman Central Catholic High School from 1993-1999. He retired in 2011.
Phil Bellini married Nita Jo Dean on August 21, 1971. They met as teachers at Montmorency School and married seven months later.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nita; three sons: Philip Nicholas (Shannon), John Michael, and Darren Andrew Bellini; five granddaughters: Avery, Olivia, Ellianna, Gianna and Bianca Bellini; and three sisters: Sandra (Richard) Sullivan, Shirley Walker and Susan (Robert) Tyne.
A memorial has been established at St. Andrew Catholic School as the “Mr. B. Tuition Assistance Program.”
Visitation will be Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Andrew Catholic Church. Burial will conclude at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling
