Albert Belenchia, 84, formerly of Shelby, died Saturday, July 17, 2010, at the Mississippi State Veterans’ Home in Collins.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelby.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at the time of service. Father Charles Bucciantini of St. James Catholic Church in Leland and Father Sean Atkinson of Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland will conduct the funeral mass.

Mr. Belenchia was born in Shelby on May 7, 1926, to Marshall Belenchia and Emelia Tarsi Belenchia. He attended Shelby schools before volunteering for service to his country as a proud member of the United States Navy during WWII. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Shelby and several years later married Rose Nan Foti on January 18, 1956.

He attended Hinds Junior College before being employed at AMCO in Rosedale. In 1964, he became the owner of Al’s Electrical Works and served many customers for over 44 years. Albert was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also a member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, and Shelby County Country Club. He had a great love and passion for his hometown of Shelby. He loved the people of Shelby and dedicated many years of public service to Shelby as a city alderman.

Another passion in his life was playing golf with his lifelong friends: Snow Campanova, Max Bramuchi, Joe Jo Campanova, Moe Morganti and Johnny Ferretti. He also enjoyed playing golf with his many other friends who were members of The Delta Seniors Golf Association.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Emelia Belenchia; brothers Alex Belenchia, Paul Belenchia, Charlie Belenchia and Marshall Belenchia Jr.; and a sister, Laura Radicioni.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rose Nan Foti Belenchia of Hattiesburg, (formerly of Shelby); son, Michael Belenchia, (Elizabeth “Bib”) of Cleveland; daughters, Theresa “Tessie” Smith (Patrick) of Jackson and Marcia Line (Lance) of Hattiesburg; sister, Elizabeth Pongetti; brother, Gene Belenchia; and grandchildren, Megan Belenchia, Hayes Line and Haley Line.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Paul Belenchia Jr., Mark Belenchia, Russell Belenchia, Glen Radicioni, Jimmy Pongetti, Greg Mangialardi, and Andrew Mangialardi.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his nephews, Thomas Belenchia, Anthony Belenchia, Johnny Belenchia, Jerry Radicioni, Gary Pongetti, and Ronnie Pongetti.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Medical Research Foundation or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelby in loving memory of Mr. Belenchia.

To view and sign online guestbook visit rayfuneralhome.net.