I met Rocco Bellatoni in the late 1980's when I needed soles put on elf shoes I had made from green felt for a costume. I remember his great sense of humor about it and he kept a photo of me in the elf costume on display in his shop for many years. Rocco was a TRUE gentleman and was always a pleasure to do business with and talk with. He was an amazing shoemaker and really performed a few miracles with items I brought him to fix. He always made everything look just like new! Rocco was also very community minded as many people know but only a few are aware that during the 1990's when I was collecting and then giving away golf shoes with metal spikes so senior citizens and others could walk safety on ice, I brought quite a few pairs to Rocco to repair and he refused to take payment from me. He told me I was doing my share to help and he was doing his share to help me do it! With his kindness and generousity including a contribution of many boxes of brand new metal spikes, he helped me give away over 300 pairs of golf shoes to people in this county and the surrounding area.
I am saddened beyond words that Mr. Rocco Bellantoni will not be there at his shop on Broadway to greet me with his wonderful smile ever again. He is in my thoughts and I want his family to know he will be greatly missed by so many who's lives he touched by just being the great guy he was.</b></font><br><br>
