Lawrence “Larry” Allen Belli

August 30, 1948 – December 9, 2025.

Lawrence Allen Belli “Larry” passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 9th, 2025 following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a devoted son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, who served honorably as an Officer in the United States Navy and as a Park Ranger in the National Park Service.

Larry was born in the Dutchtown neighborhood of Rochester, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Emilio and Josephine (Insalaco) Belli, and his sister, Teresa A. Belli. Larry is survived by his first cousins, Dr. Salvatore Castronovo (Mary), Rita Bianchi, and Carl Bianchi, many cousins, and his Sigma Chi Fraternity Brother and best friend, Mark Petitte. 

During his early years, Larry was an altar boy for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, located across the street from his home. He served in many masses and when the Priest needed an extra altar boy, he would yell across the street for Larry’s help. He was often asked to be part of the response group during Msgr. Cirrincione’s nightly Family Rosary for Peace radio broadcast.  Larry also achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout, a testament to his strong work ethic.  He was a graduate of Bishop Kearney High School (1966), and subsequently received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester (1970), which he attended on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship. 

Upon graduation from the University of Rochester, Larry received his Commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.  Larry served as Surface Warfare Officer and Destroyerman on the  USS Richard S. Edwards and the USS Goldsborough.  He deployed to the Western Pacific on USS Goldsborough, operating in the waters off of Vietnam in 1971.  The ship conducted Naval Gunfire Support and Carrier Escort Missions. Larry played a vital role in the Naval Gunfire Support mission, volunteering to serve as a Forward Observer for his ship, a role that placed him on land in Vietnam under the protection of the United States Army. His was charged with observing North Vietnamese military operations and radioing the coordinates of the operations to his ship.  USS Goldsborough then fired upon the transmitted positions, eliminating the threat. Larry told stories of how, at night, he slept in a culvert covered with earth for protection.  Coincidently, Larry’s cousin, Vincent Castronovo, was also a Forward Observer, except he served in the “Battle of the Bulge” during World War Two.

While serving as Forward Observer, Larry was exposed to “Agent Orange,” a plant-killing herbicide used by the United States military to kill off the vegetation the North Vietnamese used to conceal themselves. This exposure caused Agent Orange effects, which led to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Thanks to a North Carolina State Veteran’s Association individual’s diligence, he received VA assistance for the duration of his long-term illness. 

Following his deployment to Vietnam, Larry was assigned to Naval Base San Diego where he served with his cousins, Peter Castronovo and Dr. Samuel Castronovo, a Navy Dentist.  Larry enjoyed traveling throughout State of California and often entertained visiting relatives, inviting them to dine in the Wardroom of his Destroyer.

Upon completion of his Naval Service, Larry dedicated his life to the National Park Service, ultimately attaining the rank of Park Superintendent.  His call to service was born out of a commitment to preserve National Parks lands and wildlife. His assignments included Park Ranger of Wahweap District Glen Canyon National Recreation Center, Page Arizona, Superintendent of Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Deputy Superintendent of Everglades National Park, and Superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

As Superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Larry oversaw the coastal area, the barrier islands, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. He served as the Superintendent of the NPS Outer Banks Group in North Carolina and organized activities at Kill Devil Hills marking the centennial of the first powered flight of the Wright Brothers. In May 2003, he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new First Flight Centennial Pavilion at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Larry also delivered a speech at the dedication ceremony for the 10,000-pound, life-size sculpture of the Wright brothers’ first flight. 

Former President George W. Bush attended the Wright Brothers National Memorial Centennial of Flight celebration on December 17, 2003. He was the keynote speaker at the event, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight. Larry also delivered a speech at the ceremony and was a prominent guest alongside aviation figures including astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and pilot Chuck Yeager. 

Larry was very protective of the environment and the wildlife of the parks he supervised.  While superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Larry closed several beaches where protected birds were nesting.  This raised the ire of an association which represented vehicles who enjoyed driving on the beaches.  This association used their Washington, DC political connections to get Larry reassigned to Atlanta to be responsible for the concessions at all of the National Parks.  Larry took exception and challenged the National Park Service reassignment.  He prevailed in this dispute, which resulted in the National Park Service printing an apology in New Yorker Magazine.

After Larry’s retirement from the Park Service, he served as a consultant to the Cambodian Government at the Angor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  He also served as a consultant to the Jordanian Government at Petra, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.

Larry also had a passion for cooking, collecting cookbooks with wonderful recipes from all over the world. Many friends and relatives enjoyed Larry’s delicious dinners throughout the years.

Larry’s family would like to extend a heart felt thanks to all of the dedicated aides who assisted caring for Larry during his illness. We are also thankful for the kindness, comfort, and dignity provided by the Rochester Regional Health Hospice team during his final days. The United States Veterans Administration provided Larry countless hours of medical assistance, supplies, and support over the last few years. We appreciate everyone from the VA, including the Transportation Department that arranged rides to the Caukins Road VA Clinic for doctors’ appointment, the Medical Staff at the Clinic, and the visiting Medical staff who took great care of Larry. We are grateful for everyone who assisted Larry during his final stage of life.

A private internment for family will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2026.  Larry’s coffin will be draped with a US Flag that was flown over USS Hopper (DDG 70). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Lawrence Allan Belli to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).