Bruce Bellingham wears many hats. He is on one hand a husband, father, grandparent, and devoted dog-dad to his exuberant right-hand ‘man,’ Ralphie, a Goldendoodle. To his neighbors, he is a former firefighter, farmer, preserver of Old Washington’s historic buildings, a dedicated church member, and, above all, a beloved community friend.
He’s a jack-of-all-trades and cares for people in subtle but incredibly meaningful ways.
“He’s the everyman handyman. If there’s a problem, he’s the expert,” said Sean Connelly, owner of LilJumbo Coffee Company and Cafe. “He’s all about community.”
“He is very, very passionate about different things that go on in the community,” his wife, LuAnne Bellingham, said. “He likes to beautify — beautify the community.”
Recently, Bruce restored the windows of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Museum, which sits on Old Main St. It’s one of several buildings he maintains as part of his involvement with the Elizabeth Wallingford Old Washington Preservation organization.
In addition to taking care of other peoples’ properties, Bruce has spent countless hours on his own home (he’s been renovating it for 17 years) and his daughter’s home.
“When I think about my Dad’s life, it’s a life of service,” said daughter Sarah Bellingham. “Even in retirement, he is serving a new community in a different way.”
Bruce wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I have been blessed with good health, wealth, and family,” he said. “It is only fair to share a few talents that I have.”
