Albert V. Bellusci, 98, passed away on April 3, 2026, just days shy of his 99th birthday. His was a life well lived, centered on the things that mattered most to him: the family he loved, the friendships he kept, the community he served, and the work that left its mark on the Missoula community he called home.

Albert was born April 8, 1927, on Missoula’s Northside, the youngest of nine children born to Albert and Beniamina Bellusci, immigrants from Mongrassano, Calabria, Italy. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II shaped the values of hard work, service, family, and community that remained with him throughout his life. Being the youngest of nine earned him the nickname “Babe,” but to his children, he was simply Dad.

A standout athlete at Missoula County High School, Dad was an all-state quarterback and, under Coach Ed Chinske, helped lead the Spartans to three consecutive state championships from 1943 through 1945. During the summers of 1946 and 1947, he worked as one of Montana’s early smokejumpers, completing 9 training and 5 wildfire jumps. His third fire jump in 1946 was from the Miss Montana DC-3. Dad later called his smokejumping experience “the chance of a lifetime.”

Dad attended the University of Montana before transferring to Montana State College to study mechanical engineering. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1954, working in Special Weapons and Electronic Countermeasures during the early years of the Cold War, and completed his mechanical engineering degree in 1954.

After returning to Missoula, Dad began an engineering career that would span 63 years. Through his own firms, the U.S. Forest Service Equipment Development Division, and decades of private practice, his engineering work became part of countless homes and businesses throughout western Montana. He continued working until 2017, retiring at the age of 89.

In 1960, Dad married Beverly Chivers Campbell and became, as he proudly wrote, an “instant father” to Roger 5 and Susan 2. Sons Brian, Mark, Michael, and Chris followed. Together, Dad and Mom built a home on Marshall Grade where they raised their family and spent the rest of their lives.

Dad also gave generously of his time to his community. He was a founding member of the East Missoula Lions Club, served for many years with the Salvation Army, served on the Bonner School Board, helped found the Bonner Development Group, was swine superintendent at the Western Montana Fair, and officer of the Golden M Club.

Dad lived through an extraordinary period of American history, but the things that mattered to him remained remarkably constant: family, hard work, friendship, community, and Montana. Above all, he gave his children the security of knowing that Dad and Mom were always in their corner. That unconditional love, more than anything he built or accomplished, is the legacy his family will carry forward.

Albert is survived by his children: Roger (Lisa) Campbell, Beavertail; Susan (Ben) DeMers, Missoula; Brian (Cathy) Bellusci, Bothell, Washington; Mark (Darcy) Bellusci, Anacortes, Washington; Michael Bellusci, London, United Kingdom; and Chris Bellusci, Missoula; as well as 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Stan (Betty) Chivers of Rochester, New York, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Missoula Cemetery, followed by a gathering with family and friends at the family home on Marshall Grade. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Museum of Mountain Flying or a charity of their choice.