It is with great sadness that the family of David A. Belfatti (77) announce his unexpected passing on Friday, October 4, 2024. He was a long-time resident of Hatfield, Pennsylvania and Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Dave was born to Carlo and Dorothy Belfatti on July 24, 1947. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Maryann; their children, David (Ria) Belfatti, Laura (Richard) Belfatti DiStefano, and Jennifer (Cory) Belfatti Atkins; his four cherished grandchildren, Liam and Aidan Atkins, and Ricky and Alessia DiStefano; his brother, Allen Belfatti; and his best friend of nearly sixty years, Ken (Debbie) Hirsekorn. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl Belfatti; and sisters, Edith Belfatti and Joy Marlin.
Growing up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Dave was a talented athlete known as “The Beast” who went on to play football at Delaware Valley University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he dabbled in real estate and other sales positions before starting a sales role at a large corporate sales company where he would go on to become vice president/general manager and lead a team for the next thirty years of his life. Eventually, Dave established his own business, BELCO Services, Inc. which he would proudly operate until his retirement. He had an unparalleled work ethic, dedicating countless hours to his profession while still finding time to be there for his family. He was considered a leader to those around him both in his professional and personal life.
Dave was a traditional family man, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones and close friends. Whether it was taking his family on yearly Disney trips when his children were young or spending summer weeks at the shore on Long Beach Island, NJ, with his family and friends, Dave was in his happy place when he was surrounded by those he loved. He and his wife shared a deep bond and were rarely seen apart. Dave adored Maryann, and he delighted in couples’ nights out and entertaining happy hours with her. He took part in all areas of his children’s lives, coaching them in sports both on and off the field, supporting them in school, encouraging them in their endeavors, and offering guidance in all aspects of their lives. Dave found great joy in being a grandparent and treasured the time he had with his grandchildren, often showering them with treats every time he would see them and recording their every move on his phone. His unwavering love and support uplifted those around him during challenging times. Dave was always giving others sound advice along with a joke or two. He was full ofenergy and always on the go. Throughout his life, he enjoyed keeping himself active and could often be found out and about on his daily walks or trips around town. During retirement, Dave loved spending the winter months at The Villages in Florida with his wife, enjoying many rounds of golf, another passion of his, and rejoicing in his two “hole in ones.”
Dave was unapologetically himself. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, and his greatest passion in life was making others laugh. This passion started young, from making his mother and teachers laugh as a child to being titled “class clown” of his high school graduating class; Dave was never afraid to push the limits to get a good chuckle out of someone. He was always the life of the party, and he thrived on excitement. For those who have met Dave, they would all agree: there was no one else like him. He touched the lives of many, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the people around him. He will truly be missed.
To honor David’s memory, family will receive friends on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 1601 Derstine Rd., Hatfield, PA, 19440, where the public funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dave’s name to an organization he supported: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org
Services are by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home & Crematory, Telford, PA.
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