Ramon Belleza

(July 8, 1924 - December 22, 2015, Age 91)

Ramon was an outstanding knight through and through, serving actively our council as a core member for nearly 35 years, having taken his First Degree on October 20, 1981. He served through the various officer chairs and as Grand Knight in 1987-88. He also served as a District Deputy and as a Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree Padre Palou Assembly #069 and also served in the Color Corps. Ramon also acted as editor of the council bulletin for many years. Only after his health declined did Ramon step down as Treasurer of our council.

Published Obituary from December 26, 2015

The recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30, for Ramon Belleza who passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 91. Born in Libon, Albay Province of the Philippines, Mr. Belleza came to the United States in 1965 to pursue a Master's Degree in Business Administration at Indiana University. After earning his degree he moved to the Bay Area for a one-year fellowship at Stanford University.

Upon completion of his fellowship, he and two fellow Stanford graduate students started a business which offered computerized curriculum planning, resource allocation and school bus routing to school districts nationwide.

He was generous with his time for community service needs, helping others through his volunteer work with numerous charitable organizations and advocacy for senior citizens, particularly fellow Filipinos. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Northside Community Center in San Jose, CA. With a few South Bay Area friends from the Philippine Bikol region, he started the annual devotion and celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Penãfrancia, Patroness of the region. To expand support for this devotion, he co-founded the Bay Area Bikol Association. From a gathering of a handful of friends in 1970, this annual feast has grown to thousands of devotees this past September at our Lady of Good Counsel Church in San Leandro, CA.

Mr. Belleza was also a charter member of Marharlika Lions Club in San Jose, and served as an aide to then Congressman Leon Panetta, for elder care and senior citizens affairs and needs.
In 1982, Mr. Belleza moved to Santa Cruz and immediately became involved with the Knights of Columbus Council #971, where he served in every chair and financial office for the council. He was a lifetime member and leaves many dear friends, fellow brother knights, and parishioners of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Community of which he and his beloved wife, Ruperta, were members.
He was a talented golfer, and accomplished world traveler, with many fond memories to be shared by his grandchildren, who accompanied him and Ruperta on far away destinations.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Marsha Belleza of La Selva Beach, his two brothers; Cesar Belleza of San Diego, and Antonio Belleza of the Philippines. He was a loving grandfather "Lolo" to Christian, Nicole (Joshua), Adrienne, Gabrielle (Mike); and doting great grandfather "Lolo" to Tyler, Caleb and Morgan.

Friends may pay their respects at a visitation to be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel (1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, CA) from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7 p.m.

The mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (515 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA) beginning at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Aptos beside his beloved wife, Ruperta, who preceded him in death in 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any kind acts of charity, or masses offered in his memory be made through Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.