Thomas Louis Bello Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas L. Bello, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, passed away on November 14, 2019. He was 83. Born in San Luis Obispo to parents Edith and Louis Bello, he was a 4th generation native who could trace his roots to the early pioneer families on the Central Coast. His Grandfather, a Portuguese rancher and dairyman, immigrated from the Azores in 1874, and his Grandmother's family, also of Portuguese descent, arrived in 1850. A lifelong resident of San Luis Obispo, Tom attended area schools including Fremont Elementary and San Luis Senior High where he graduated in 1954. Later, after attending Santa Barbara College and UCLA, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. While living in southern California he made many exceptional life long friends, developed a love for surfing, and enjoyed being a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After college, Tom served in the Army reserves for six years while also returning to the family business, Bello's Sporting Goods. Located at 886 Monterey Street, "Bello's" was founded by his parents in 1945, and Tom enjoyed many years working there with friends and family until his retirement in 2005. A motto at Bello's was "play more, live longer," and although Tom, the hard working boss, wasn't always able to follow this, he often made time for fun. An avid skier, golfer and rancher who love his family and hometown, he was a kind man and local icon. A supporter of Central Coast sports, many recall buying their first baseball glove from him or sharing a friendly conversation in the store while his employees often enjoyed his good sense of humor and positive example in life. Married 56 years, Tom is survived by his wife Caroline Cooper, son Clarence, daughter Gina, son-in-law Jeff Sears, Daughter in-law Candice, grandchildren Corinne, Tristan, and Julia, and cousins Randy Bello, Bonnie Brooks, and Darrell Howell. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made o the San Luis Obispo County Catlewoman's Scholarship Fund or to local youth sports programs. For our beloved Tom, we invite those who knew and loved him to celebrate his life at the Madonna Inn, Friday January 10th at 11:30am

Thomas Louis Bello

July 6, 2019 - November 14, 2019

Obituary & Service

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Thomas Louis Bello

July 6, 2019 - November 14, 2019

Obituary & Service

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