Robert J. “Bob” Belongie, 81, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at his home. He was born on June 23, 1937 in Escanaba, MI, son of the late Tony and Blanche Belongie. Bob graduated from Gladstone High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country from 1956-1960.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bob attended Northern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Bob married Gloria Franklin on July 21, 1956 at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. He worked at WE Energies for 27 years, retiring in 1994.
Bob was an active member of American Martyrs Catholic Church where he served at funeral masses for many years. Bob truly cared for his community and was actively involved in various civic organizations in Dickinson County which included the United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary, the DCHS Hospital Board as well as several other boards. He was also a member of the Chippewa Club and Pine Grove Country Club.
Bob enjoyed golfing and playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em with his poker buds. He loved traveling to see his family and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Bob is survived by a son, Mark (Kathy) Belongie of Blue Ridge, GA; three daughters, Cindy (Charlie) Kelley of The Villages, FL, Diane (Joe) Frustaglio of Osprey, FL, and Cami (C.J.) Back of Fishers, IN; a brother, Michael (Cindy) Belongie of St. Jaques, MI; 8 grandchildren, Paul and Melissa Belongie, Nicole (Adam) Phillips, Kyle (Kate) Kelley, Vinnie (Sarah) Frustaglio, Toni Frustaglio, Carli and Casey Back, Sarah (David) Crowe, and Bradley (Mary) Kelley; two great-grandchildren, Devin Kelley and Betsie Crowe; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria in 1994 and a brother, Tom Belongie. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford.
Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Escanaba.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet, St. Vincent DePaul of Iron Mountain or TRICO. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Bob Belongie online at www. ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert J. “Bob” Belongie please visit our Sympathy Store.
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