Leo Bellotti, a circulation manager at the New York Post whose career with the newspaper spanned an exceptional 71 years, died on Friday. He was 98.
Born in the Bronx on Dec. 27, 1927, Bellotti began his career in the news industry at age 18 with the Bronx Home News. That publication later merged with The Post under the ownership of Dorothy Schiff.
Throughout his tenure, Bellotti worked under several publishers, including Schiff, Peter Kalikow, and Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp currently owns The Post. He officially retired at age 65 but continued to work with The Post until he was 89, ending what may be the longest career with the New York news company.
"He believed that when you gave your word to an employer, you gave them your very best, every single day," Bellotti's son Robert said in a statement on behalf of the family. "Dad’s 71 years at the New York Post were about much more than simply showing up for work. They reflected the kind of man he was — loyal, dependable, disciplined and deeply committed to doing things the right way."
Bellotti was known for his dedication, with his son noting, "He rarely missed a day of work and never believed in taking a sick day unless it was absolutely necessary."
Outside of his work, Bellotti was a member of Saints Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Deer Park, Long Island, where he served as an usher and was part of the Holy Name and Rosary Alter Society, earning him the nickname "Leo the Legend."
He enjoyed dancing and cooking, with his signature dish being veal-chicken scallopini. He also had a fondness for wine with dinner. His family recalled several of his characteristic sayings, or "Leosims," including, "I’d rather be an hour early than a minute late."
Bellotti is survived by his wife of 54 years, Norma Bellotti, three children—Robert, Louis, and Christopher—eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were handled by Mangano Family Funeral Home in Deer Park. A Mass was held at Saints Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church, followed by burial at Saint Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale.