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Chris Bellini fishing Long Beach.[/caption]
Chris Bellini of Sag Harbor, daughter, sister, lover, friend, poet, journalist, writer, artist, chef, entrepreneur, lover of dogs, children and fishing, passed away suddenly on May 26, 2016 at age 58.
She is pre-deceased by her parents John and Mary Bellini, her sister Patricia Randazzese, and brother Martin Bellini. She is survived by her Mom, Marie Bellini, and her siblings Jean Ann, Nancy, Mary Kay (Lewis), John, Gerard, Darby (Woodbury), Robin (Roe), Kerry (Young), Randy (Giraramita) and John (Young).
Ms. Bellini’s story began in Water Mill on Mecox Bay Poultry Farm, a family duck farm. After graduating from Southampton High School, she attended SUNY at Albany receiving a degree in English Teaching and Communication. She resumed her education at Syracuse University culminating in a Masters in Communications. Ms. Bellini began her writing career as the editor of the Hamden Chronicle in Connecticut. She continued her career at various other weekly newspapers in New York City and on Eastern Long Island sharing her talents in editorial management, story development, staff management, production oversight, design, headline writing, editorial writing, news analysis and photography. By then Ms. Bellini way ready to responded to her dream of entrepreneurship. She opened Toilsome Press in East Hampton a boutique desktop design service specializing in business plan development, marketing materials, logo design, book design and critical writing.
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Chris Bellini.[/caption]
After a number of short-term ventures, Ms. Bellini submerged herself into the world of cooking. She and good friend, Carol Rollo, opened “Two Italian Girls.” Production of savory tortes began in her mother’s kitchen as “Two Italian Girls” launched. As the business grew, it moved to Sag Harbor. Here Ms. Bellini’s love of cooking, based on wholesome, healthy organic food blossomed.
Continuing to dream and flourish, she evolved into Consulting and Business Development. Tutto II Giorno, in Sag Harbor was the first product of these efforts. Her concept development contributed to the installation of the intimate Italian trattoria. Here she demonstrated her skills in kitchen installation, permit processing, equipment sourcing, menu development, staff development and operations flow prior to transition to the team of owners Steve Florio, Larry and Maria Baum. Never losing sight of the fact that she was a writer at heart, Ms. Bellini continued to pursue her dreams as the executive editor of Hamptons.com, senior copywriter contractor with Crown Advertising, and the creative head of Bellinink Consulting. Her most recent endeavor, Market Speak Consulting Artisinal Brand Development and Incubator Programing provided Ms. Bellini the opportunity to share her expertise and passion for food production and entrepreneurship with individuals eager to further explore this field.
Although Ms. Bellini truly enjoyed the varied aspects of her career choices over the years her real love was family, friends, the east end and her dogs. Being from a large Italian family, she was most at home cooking a feast for a large hungry crowd. She would share the gift of new recipes as she directed family members through the various kitchen jobs needed to produce a wonderful meal that the family would enjoy for hours. A highlight of the evening would be the family discussions that would follow the meal going long into the evening hours. Ms. Bellini had strong opinions and much to share. At the end of the evening, agreements may not have been reached but all were heard, more informed, and loved.
Ms. Bellini was most at home in Sag Harbor. You had to have time to spare when you walked down Main Street with Chris. Every few feet, someone would call out to say hi to Chris and eager to discuss the latest happenings in the village. She was fortunate to have many close friends, including lifelong friendships with Mary Sheerer, Shari Hymes, Jann Scanlon and Josephine DeVincenzi.
She loved Sag Harbor and was devoted to maintaining the beauty and character of this charming Hampton. One of the things that attracted Ms. Bellini to Sag Harbor was the water. She loved the beach landscape and fishing. Long Beach was a favorite spot and respite. Some of Ms. Bellini’s closest companions were four-legged. Bear and Joey were always at her side for many years.
“Chris’ departure was far too early,” writes her family. “Her family, friends and all those she touched are feeling a tremendous gap in our lives. We have all been blessed to have known, loved and experienced life with Chris. Each time we sit down with family and friends to enjoy a good meal, we know Chris is with us. If you listen closely, you will hear her wonderful heartfelt laughter fill the room. When you look out to sea to catch a sunset, you can feel her appreciation for nature and love of life.”
Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, June 1, at the home of Marie Bellini, 1 Debbie Trail, in Hampton Bays at 4 p.m. to share love and our memories of Chris. At noon noon on Thursday, June 2 there will be a memorial service at Long Beach in Sag Harbor; all are welcome.
If you would like to make a donation, please consider Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (www.ccesuffolk.org) or Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (www.arfhamptons.org).
on Jun 1, 2016