ADVERTISING

Anthony J. DeBellis

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 09, 2026

Anthony J. DeBellis, 77, of Hermitage passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born in East Liberty on July 30, 1948 to the late John and Leonora (Pecora) DeBellis. At the age of 8, Anthony and his family moved to Edgewood – but as a Pittsburgh native his whole life, he loved the city, its neighborhoods, and traditions. He began his working years in his family’s vault businesses, later working as a coal miner for Consol Coal, and eventually retiring from the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

A lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan, Anthony especially loved football and held season tickets for the University of Pitt Panthers. He enjoyed attending games with friends and shared many memorable Pitt football experiences with his close friend, Dallas Frey. For 15 years, he was a season club seat holder with his son Johnny, and eventually once his grandson, Giovanni was born, he joined them. Even as attending the games became more difficult, his daughter, Toni, and his son-in-law, Kirk, ensured he went to at least one game each season – a deeply cherished tradition. Anthony’s family was the center of his life, His sister, daughter, and son will greatly miss their daily phone calls, always filled with conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Later in life, he moved to Hermitage to be closer to his daughter and her family, where he quickly found a sense of belonging in the Shenango Valley Senior Center, enjoying his time there with friends. Above all else, Anthony was a devoted father and proud grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he rarely missed an opportunity to support them. He faithfully attended countless basketball, volleyball, and softball games for his granddaughters – cheering them on with pride! Most recently, he found great joy in watching his grandson, Giovanni, play lacrosse at Sewickley Academy. Being present for his grandchildren’s lives brought him immense happiness. A devoted parishioner, Anthony attended Mass several times per week at Notre Dame and St. Bartholomew Church, where his faith and commitment to community were central to his life. He is survived by his daughter, Toni (Kirk) Scurpa; his son, John DeBellis; his sister, Sandra (Paul Ritter) DeBellis; his aunt, Barbara Pecora; many cousins; and his grandchildren, Katelyn, Kristen, and Kailee Scurpa, and Giovanni DeBellis. Anthony’s love, humor, and devotion to family, faith, and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

There will be no visitation. Arrangements are with the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 12-2pm at the Oakmont Elks Lodge #1668, 106 Washington Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139 – family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Pittsburgh Panther Club – checks made payable to ‘University of Pittsburgh Panther Club’ with “In Memory of Tony DeBellis” in the memo line – PO Box 7436, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published January 09, 2026.

Other deaths:
"Joyce (Gall) Porter" || "Charles H. "Chaz" Smi…"