Maurice J. Bellerive, 79, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013.

He was born Nov. 18, 1933, in Waterbury, Conn., to William and Rachel Bellerive.

After graduating from high school he joined the Navy, serving aboard the USS Fessenden. Maurice was a precision tool and die maker for over 40 years, retiring from Risdon in Naugatuck, Conn.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; brother, Leo Bellerive of Oregon; five children, Cindy (Charles) Lanza of Wolcott, Conn., Bruce Bellerive of Watertown, Conn., Kevin (Theresa) Bellerive of Watertown, Sharon (John) Sileno of Punta Gorda, and Karen Bellerive (Susan Board) of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and six grandchildren, Charles “CJ”, Cory and Chelsea Lanza, Sean and Samantha Sileno, and Anna Bellerive. He was preceded in death by his brother, Emile Bellerive of Connecticut.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Tidewell Hospice House, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Arrangements are by ICS Cremation, Harbour Heights, Fla.