09/16/2025
John Raymond Belluardo, age 82, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at Kettering Memorial Hospital on September 12, 2025. Known as a health fanatic and an incredibly tough man, his passing came as a shock to everyone who knew him. John inspired countless people and lived by the words of his favorite 20th-century statesman, Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.”
Born on June 24, 1943, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, to the late Benedict and Liboria (Graffed) Belluardo, John grew up in New York before moving to Dayton, Ohio, in 1977. While proud of his American citizenship, he also embraced his Italian heritage by obtaining Italian citizenship in honor of his grandfather, who arrived at Ellis Island in 1905 with only $9 in his pocket.
John is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Barbara Margaret (Brigandi) Belluardo; his devoted son, Keith Belluardo; and his beloved daughter, Lisa Belluardo, both of Dayton, Ohio and relatives in New York and New Jersey.
He was a proud graduate of Valley Stream North High School and finished at Sewanhaka High and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree. As his classmate and cherished friend Barry Seedman stated, “I never had anyone that came into contact with John that did not like him” John spent most of his career with NRC Corporation before founding his own successful computer hardware and software company, BASS, Inc. There, he designed and manufactured the first portable wireless barcode scanning system for the supermarket industry. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly, serving clients from regional grocers like King Kullen in New York to international giants like Walmart. His vision and innovative spirit made BASS, Inc. a pioneer in retail technology, transforming the way stores operate and customers shop. Later in life, due to health concerns, John sold the company to focus on his family and well-being.
In 2015, after doing twenty-three years of research, John authored his motivational book, How I Reversed Heart Disease – A Pilot’s Story. Through it, he shared links for us to view online and his philosophy that one must treat the cause of heart disease, not the symptoms. He stated, “One must take complete responsibility for their health, and do your own research.” He was the first to successfully grow new arteries in a heart through natural angiogenesis process and used himself as the animal test subject.
In his early fifties, his son, Keith, who was a distance runner, encouraged him to join a local running club. He took the challenge and started training and running in local 5k races. What began with local 5k races soon grew into marathons alongside Barbara, Keith, and dear family friend Kay. Remarkably, he went on to complete various marathons that included the Columbus Marathon in 1997, the New York City Marathon in 2003, and Air Force Marathon in 2004 just to name a few, which was an unbelievable feat after enduring two open heart surgeries, seven arterial bypasses, and a heart valve replacement.
At age 63, John fulfilled his boyhood dream of flying thanks to the guidance of his instructor, Emerson. His passion and enthusiasm for aviation were infectious, and he joyfully shared it through countless free flights in his Luscombe 8A to Young Eagle fliers through the EAA Chapter at Red Stewart Airfield, where he was fondly known as “Captain John.” In recent years, he shared many hours of flight, out-of-town airshows, and adventures with his close friend and pilot mentee, Daniel Gertz, who will soon be certified as a Flight Instructor. John treated Daniel like a grandson and told him to take care of his beloved Luscombe “Lil Buster” for him. Their shared love of aviation and restored automobiles created a bond that was truly unique.
John was so proud of his children. He was especially grateful and cherished the time spent with his beloved son when Keith moved back to Dayton from Florida to help him care for Barbara and his sister. Together, the family continued to enjoy hikes, run marathons, attend local air shows, and display their prized automotives, including a 1936 Cord 810 Convertible Coupe “Sportsman,” a Porsche, and an Auburn.
John was an inspirational, caring, and brilliant man. He leaves behind a wide circle of wonderful family members and friends who adore him and now are heartbroken with his loss. We know he is watching over us, hoping that many will step forward to support Barbara, Keith, and Lisa through this difficult time. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A service to honor John’s life will be held at David’s Cemetery in the Mausoleum on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the local Waynesville “Grass Roots” EAA Chapter 284, which he was such a part of for so many years. These contributions will be put toward scholarships in his name for young pilots with financial barriers. Send checks or money orders to his dear colleague Timothy Carrier (President - 937-760-3669 | [email protected]) at Red Stewart Airfield Office Building, 4925 N. State Route 42, Waynesville, Ohio 45068.
