Thomas Bellavia, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on the Tangipahoa River in Amite, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 25, 1945, in Amite, Louisiana, to the late Kelly Charles Bellavia, Sr. and Mamie Macaluso Bellavia.

Thomas dedicated many years of service to the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where he served as Assistant Administrator until his retirement. He also proudly served as President of the Tangipahoa Parish Teachers Credit Union.

A man of deep faith and devotion, Thomas was a lifelong member of St. Helena Catholic Church. He faithfully served his church in many roles throughout the years, most recently as a Eucharistic Minister.

Thomas is survived his brother, Frank S. Bellavia, and his wife, Brenda Ardillo Bellavia.

He is also survived by his beloved nieces: Patty Bellavia, Jody Bellavia Hannah, Jacqualyn "Bird" Bellavia Duhon and her companion, Michael; Kim Bellavia Eiland and her husband, Eric; Jessica Bellavia Stant; JoAnne Ardillo Falcone and her husband, Vincent; and Michelle Bellavia, wife of the late Kelly Bellavia III.

He is further survived by his nephews: Joseph "Jay" Emile Ardillo and his wife, Keri; Thomas Frank Ardillo and his wife, Michelle; and Marc "Deke" Bellavia.

Thomas also leaves behind many loving great-nieces and great-nephews and his cherished godchildren: Joseph "Joey" Bellavia Duhon and his companion Anastasia; Kate Eiland; Gabriel "Gabe" Stant; Sarah Stant; Elizabeth Stant; Emma Bellavia; Jackie Bellavia; Joseph Ardillo; Jonathan Ardillo; Vincent Falcone III; Nikki Falcone; Joshua Falcone; Margaret Ardillo; Madeline Ardillo; Cindy Ardillo Ridgel and her husband, Tim; Richard "Ricky" Ardillo and his wife, Laura; Zachary Bellavia; Zoe Bellavia; Melissa Ficklin Clark and her husband Cori; Amanda Ficklin Mixon and her husband, Chad; Jason Ficklin; Jared "J-bird" Blake Richardson and his wife Grecia; Milo Richardson; Grant Richardson and his wife, Amanda; Gray Richardson; Susan Esteven McGraw; along with several great-great-nieces and nephews and many great-great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly Charles Bellavia, Sr. and Mamie Macaluso Bellavia; his siblings, Emile "Mutt" Bellavia, Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, Joseph "Joey" John Bellavia, Kelly Bellavia Jr., Jackie Bellavia, John Bellavia, and Jackie Bellavia II; his sisters-in-law, Nancy LaMarca Bellavia and Mary Vanettie Bellavia; and his brother-in-law, Nick P. Ardillo Sr.

He was also preceded in death by his nephews Roy S. Ardillo II, James "Rube" Ardillo, Nick "Nicky" P. Ardillo Jr., and Kelly Bellavia III (Little Kelly); and by his great-niece, Emily Bellavia.

Thomas will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, devotion to his family and friends, and lifelong commitment to serving others. He touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and gentle giant spirit. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Gospel of Matthew

In lieu of flowers the family request all donations be made to St. Helena Catholic Church

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Premium Care and Modern Hospice.

Pallbearers will be Joseph "Joey" Bellavia Duhon, Eric Eiland, Marc "Deke" Bellavia, Joseph Ardillo Gabriel "Gabe" Stant, Louis Joseph, Dennis James "Denny" Currier, Jeremy Owen, and Charlie Bailey.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Ed Brumfield, Karen Merrick & Mickey Pugh, Mike & Rowana Currier, John Carl and Lou Hammons, Rory Hayden, Mark & Bess Kowle, Virgil Allen, Camille Russell, Sharon McDaniel Capdau, Chick & Shirley Jo Core, Ron Genco, Randall "Randy" Genco, and Salvadore "Sal" Santora.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 7:45AM until 11:00AM with a Rosary at 7:00AM by Judy Williams followed by eulogies by JoAnne Falcone and Louis Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:30AM on Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment will be at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.