Vasili L. Bellini, 98, , of 20 Liberty Street, Montpelier, VT., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 12, 2024, at Central Vermont Hospital in Montpelier, VT. Born on February 8, 1926, he was the son of Angelo Bellini and Paulina D'Agostino Bellini of Providence, Rhode Island.

Vas graduated from North Providence High School in 1943. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 – 1946. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 1950, Vas obtained a Master's degree in Social Work from Boston University in 1955. His work history included social work in the Rhode Island public welfare system from 1950 – 1953.

In 1953, Vas began a career as a child welfare worker at the Dr. Patrick O'Rourke Childrens' Center in Providence, retiring as Director in 1966. In 1966, the family moved to Montpelier, Vt., where Vas became the Director of Family Services in the Vermont Department of Social Welfare. He served the state in several related positions, before retiring as AHS Director of Income Maintenance in January 1991.

In June 1955, Vas married Maria Josephine (Josie) Zito, also of Providence, R. I. They were blessed with two children, David and Victoria. The honeymoon was a 3-month trip across the country by car, visiting major national parks, the Canadian Rockies, northern Mexico, and friends on the West Coast. They attended the opening of the original Disneyland in California. After his retirement, Vas and Josie toured Italy along with several other European countries.

They maintained a small summer home in Narragansett, R. I., which was later replaced with a year around beach house when Vas retired. The beach house was a magnet for the many friends and family who visited all summer long. Vermont friends were introduced to the seashore, and Rhode Island family and friends learned to ski in Vermont. No matter where he was, "Uncle Vas" was loved and cherished by the Bellini and Zito families and by his many friends and colleagues.

Social work was truly Vas' passion as well as his lifelong occupation. He was well suited for the job, and he made a difference in the lives of many. We remember him as a true gentleman who always made time for others. He lived with dignity, intelligence, and integrity. Family and friends alike benefitted from his wise counsel and generous heart. As one friend said, "Vas was a class act". He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched, including his loving nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues.

Vas was predeceased by his parents, his wife Josie Bellini, his daughter Victoria Bellini Fitzgerald, and his two sisters, Anita Bellini McGuire, and Ilia Bellini Stacy. He is survived by his son David V. Bellini and his partner, Kathy Callaghan, of Montpelier, VT., son-in-law Brian Fitzgerald of South Glens Falls, N.Y. , and many wonderful nieces and nephews in the Bellini and Zito families.

The family will plan a celebration of Vas' life in late spring. We are thankful for the wonderful doctors and nurses who took such good care of Vas in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.