Richard J. Bellinger

Boonville- Richard J. Bellinger, 56, of South St, well known Boonville area musician, passed away suddenly at his residence on Sunday, December 15, 2013. He was born in Constableville, on December 28, 1956, a son of Harlan K. and Jane Sage Bellinger. Rick grew up in Boonville, where he graduated from Adirondack Central High School, with the Class of 1975. Thereafter he furthered his education graduating from Herkimer County Community College, where he studied Broadcasting. Subsequently he attended SUNY Oswego, before graduating from SUNY Cortland where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. For several years Mr. Bellinger lived in Rochester, where he was employed at a pre-school. After that he returned to Boonville, where he resided at Kortenaer Village for many years. Affectionately known as Rick, Rick's life revolved around serving others; in spite of his being visually challenged, he brightened the lives of many on a daily basis by using his musical, poetic and speaking talents. Over the years he wrote many poems and stories. Rick was a longtime and very active member of the Boonville Presbyterian Church; a large aspect of his life was devoted to church service. For many years he served the Boonville Presbyterian Church as a Lay Preacher, he was a mainstay in the church choir, where he sang tenor, and supplied music for summertime services by playing his guitar and singing. For many years he served as an Elder of the church and was a currently a member of the Church Session. He also served on committees in the Utica Presbytery; for many years he served as a Lay Preacher in the Utica Presbytery, preaching at Presbyterian Churches in Boonville, Woodgate, Forestport, Verona and South Trenton. In addition to his musical activities at his church, Rick composed several songs, one of which was a special ballad paying tribute to a friend, Steve Newvine who had to report for work at a radio station, as a D.J. at an early hour each day. He participated by singing and playing his guitar as a member of "The Sun Risers" a group of area musicians who meet every Thursday morning to entertain the residents at Sun Set Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Boonville. Rick and a friend jointly composed a song entitled "Miracles" which became the theme song for the Sun Risers group. For many years he was a member of the Adirondack Community Chorus and he sang with the "Voices of the River" men's chorus, in performing in Boonville, Lowville and Clayton. In addition to his parents, Harlan "Harky" and Jane, of Boonville, Rick is survived by two brothers, Randal and his wife, Mary, Mark and wife, Lorie, all Boonville; one sister, Cynthia Bellinger, Rome, one niece, Mackenzie Bellinger, Boonville; two nephews, Nathan Bellinger, Boonville, Tyler Lamb, Pulaski; aunts, Vivian Brucker, Boonville, Joyce and Dick LeClar and their daughter, Susan, who was a cousin and close friend, Helen (Donald) Endriss LaGrange, KY; uncles, Derl and Diana Bellinger, Phoenix AZ, Ronald and Patricia Bellinger, Boonville and Richard and Reba Sage, Delhi and Florida. He is also survived by a long time special friend, Lisa Perna, of Rochester, with whom he spent Thanksgiving Day with for many years and by his beloved cat, "Lucky." Many years ago Rick and a friend Kevin Westerman, co-wrote a song that is the essence of Rick's philosophy of life: Miracles Miracles don't happen, they are made, And the one true magician never ceases to amaze. Miracles don't happen, they are made. Like stars above and earth below, we mustn't be so slow to praise each day. Flowers in the garden and flowers on the lawn. Summer turns to fall and all the flowers will be gone, but God brings back the spring and all the birds with springtime songs and flowers in the garden, flowers on the lawn Faith is more than wine from water, or a rabbit from a hat. Faith is internal, and eternal, it's built to last. We're all miracles of heaven, magic made by God's own hands. The colors of a rainbow, light shed out over every land. Miracles don't happen, they are made… His Funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville, where Commissioned Lay Preacher, George Whitton, pastor will officiate. A spring interment will be in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Rome, Inc. 6247 Lamphear Road Rome, NY 13440, Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Resident Activities Fund 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville Memorial Fund C/O P.O. Box 37 Woodgate, NY 13494.