John E. Bellinger

John E. Bellinger, aged 78, peacefully passed away on July 30, 2023, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. He was surrounded by his sons David and Daniel, along with family members. Born on February 18, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, Johnny’s life journey was one of close family ties and shared experiences.

Growing up, Johnny’s family moved to San Bernardino, California, soon after his younger sister Phyllis was born. He was a member of The Boy Scouts of America, played Little League baseball, and collected stamps. He was a basketball player in high school and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1963.

John attended UC Santa Barbara for one year as a college freshman. He cherished his brief time at UCSB and developed a fondness for Santa Barbara and the local community. Ultimately, he graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with his Bachelor’s degree. Right before he was to graduate from Cal Poly, he received his draft notice that he would be going to Vietnam. He went to basic training at Fort Benning, GA served in the Army as an artilleryman.

Johnny found his way back to Santa Barbara when he left his position at Perkin-Elmer to become a project manager at Santa Barbara Research Center. He devoted 14 years to SBRC. Instead of leaving Santa Barbara to keep his job in aerospace, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own billiards hall. In 1992, he established “Johnny’s Family Billiards” on State Street across from the Granada.

Known for his dry humor, love for people, and deep connection with the outdoors, John enjoyed fishing at Lake Cachuma, the Goleta pier, surf fishing, and attending Opening Day in the Sierra Nevada, staying at Tom’s Place near Bishop.

Johnny is survived by his sons David and Daniel, his daughter-in-law Kimberly, his granddaughters Kristen and Emily, his sister Phyllis Funk, and Dan’s fiancée Melissa. He is also remembered by his former wife, Patty Bellinger Bigoni.