THE Griffith community is mourning the loss of a mentor and doting family man.
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Danny Bellato was diagnosed with a heart condition two years ago.
He was waiting for a heart transplant but died on Sunday aged 54.
Mr Bellato was the founder of the Yoogali Football Club.
He was well respected by all club members, not only coaching them in soccer, but also in life.
Mr Bellato is survived by his wife Frances and his daughters Sarah, Alysia and Jessica.
He was known around the football club for his interesting stories and use of colourful adjectives.
Mr Bellato was happiest when his club’s teams were on top of the leader’s board.
There was no doubt he was the club’s number one supporter.
Mr Bellato’s family have urged residents to consider becoming organ donors.
“We would like to emphasise the importance of organ donation and what it means to sufferers of various illnesses and their families,” Mrs Bellato said.
“It is such an easy process to go through to become a donor but the impact it can have on someone’s life is incredibly important, especially if it can spare the heartache of losing a loved one.”
The family has urged Griffith residents to “do your part for a caring heart”.
Mr Bellato will be dearly missed by his loving wife and his beautiful girls who he lived for and adored.
“Gone too soon, but with his own heart,” Mr Bellato’s family said in a statement.
The family also expressed their gratitude for the generosity of residents who donated money to the Do your part for a caring heart fund-raisers. They also thanked doctors and staff at the Griffith Base Hospital.
DONOR FACTS
- One organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people.
- Around 1500 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant at any one time.
- In 2014, 378 donors gave 1117 Australians a new chance at life.
Mr Bellato was laid to rest on Thursday morning.