Obituary: George V. Belbusti (Porto Funeral Homes)

George V. Belbusti, 94, a lifelong resident of West Haven and the beloved husband of Colleen Bartlett Belbusti, passed away on March 17, 2026 surrounded by his family at his home. Loving father of Kim Zabilowski of West Haven and Gina (Rob) Bohan of Orange. Stepfather of Judith (Darren) Fouts of Georgia. Loving grandfather of Marisa (Ajay) King, Jessa and Matthew Bohan and Lauren, Thomas Maxwell and William Fouts. George was predeceased by his sister, Ann Coppla, and brothers, John and Frank A. Belbusti and Eugene Belmont. George was born in New Haven on December 4, 1931 son of the late Anthony and Mary DeFelice Belbusti. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Spragg Belbusti, and son-in-law, Edward Zabilowski. He is survived by many wonderful cousins in Italy, where he had visited over ten times, Canada and in the West Haven area. He also leaves many special nieces and nephews who are descendants of his extended families. George was a proud 1949 graduate of WHHS and was Chairman of numerous 49er Reunion Committees. Beginning his military service while in high school with the CT National Guard, George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving four years during the Korean War. He was a Crew Chief of the mighty ten engine intercontinental atomic bomber (RB36). After his service, George attended SCSC majoring in education. He taught English, Reading and Social Studies at Bailey Middle School (1958-1964). Then he became a reading consultant; and in 1966, was assigned to be the Director of Reading and Communication Skills Center. The success of the RCSC led to his appointment as Supervisor of 12 elementary schools. During that time, he introduced Library Services in the Elementary Schools; Reading Consultants at every school; and began the Individual Guided Education (IGE) Program. He was a collaborative worker with the PTA in starting the Annual Spelling Bee for Grades 5 through 8 and with the Physical Education Program in beginning the Intradistrict Competitive Volleyball sport for Grade 6 and The Annual Field Day Event. As an avid pilot of 35 years, he was a member and officer of Mercury Flying Club and introduced flying as part of the elementary club program which culminated in a flight over the New Haven area. George served eight years on the West Haven Board of Education. During that time, he initiated the aeronautics class at WHHS which also involved student flights with volunteer licensed pilots.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven FRIDAY morning, March 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John XXIII Parish in St. John Vianney Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Family and friends may call THURSDAY from 4pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George Belbusti Memorial Scholarship and mailed to West Haven High School, Attention: Yvonne Corrado, One McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516. Kindly make checks payable to the West Haven High School Activity Fund. Sign George’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.