Ed Bellinger Sr. passes away

Edward G. Bellinger, Sr., 75, of 234 Calkins Road, Fulton, died Sunday, September 8, 2002, at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego.

Born in Fulton, Mr. Bellinger was a life resident. He owned and operated Bellinger Auto Sales in Fulton from 1959 to 1983 at which time he sold the business to his son.

Mr. Bellinger was a three-time Oswego Speedway Champion. He raced through the 1950's and early 1960's at the speedway.

A paragraph from Oswego Speedway, the First 50 Years^Ê "Smiling" Eddie Bellinger Sr. was second on the all- time win list of the 50's with his yellow No. 3 car. A garage owner in Fulton, NY with plenty of mechanical ability, Ed built his own "round top" car for the full 1952 season on dirt. Ironically, the first four seasons of competition would yield no wins for Eddie! His first win came in 1956 on July 4th. He registered 3 victories in 1956. 1957 was a great year for Bellinger in which he took 6 features. Bellinger built a new "flat top" car, Ford powered, for the 1958 season and hit the combination BIG, completely dominating the next several years of competition. The personable guy from Fulton with a huge, toothy smile would rack up a total of 33 feature wins in both Class A and Class B competition along with three Track Championships in 1957, 1959 and 1960."

One of the most respected and well-liked drivers in the early days of Oswego Speedway, Ed Sr. went on to assist in and follow his son Eddie Jrs.' illustrious racing career always surrounded by friends and family in the pits until illness finally kept him from weekly attendance. He was an integral part of the Oswego Speedway beginnings and will always be remembered for his smile, friendly personality and great sportsmanship. Racing has lost a true legend in the sport - one who will never be forgotten.

He was a member of B.P.O.E. #830, V.F.W. Post 569 and Fulton Moose Lodge #1280 all in Fulton, He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving with the SeeBees from 1945 to 1946.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, the former Irene A. Scott of Fulton; four daughters, Linda Myhill of Murray, Kentucky, Brenda Altman of Bondville, Vermont, Sherry Sperbeck and Dawn Carroll, both of Fulton; a son, Edward Bellinger Jr. of Fulton; a sister, Norma Lagoe of Bridgeport; eight grandchildren; a great grandson; several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10:a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2002 at Foster Funeral Home, Fulton. Reverend David Grey will officiate. Burial is at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Volney. Calling hours 4 to 8 pm, Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 2862 County Route 45, Fulton, 13069

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