Belgio family 'chairman' dies at 66

Paul J. Belgio Sr.'s family called him the "chairman of the board."

Father of eight, grandfather of 12, and assistant to the family business, Belgio Catering, the longtime Naperville resident oversaw it all, family members say.

"Everyone listened to him. He was the guy to go to if you had a question," son Tom said.

Belgio, 66, passed away Wednesday from complications due to diabetes.

Family members describe Belgio as a family man and die-hard Cubs fan who loved helping people. Belgio spent the last 44 years razzing his wife and best friend, Helen, for being a White Sox fan, and raising their children into a large, tight-knit family.

He retired from Naperville Chauffeuring and in 2001 began helping sons Tom and Tim with their business, Belgio Catering of Naperville.

"He was always there to help out. He had a great knowledge for directions," Tom said. "We always took him out on deliveries. He was our co-pilot."

Beyond that, he helped his sons with numerous events including the pancake breakfast before each year's Turkey Trot and riding in the Last Fling parade.

"He had a personality about him that just brought out the best of everyone," Tom said. "It'll be tough to do Last Fling next weekend. We have a truck in the parade. He always rode along and waved to everyone."

Visitation takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Closing prayers begin at 9:45 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Following that, a Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road. Interment will be at the Naperville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Paul's memory be made to the Edward Hospital Foundation for the Diabetes Education and Prevention Center, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville.