Martin J. Belich

With sadness, we announce the death of Martin (“Marty”) John Belich on Wednesday, December 14^th. His final days were spent at home, surrounded by family and friends he had touched throughout his memorable life.

Marty was born on August 18, 1943, to the late John and Vicki (nee Bialek) Belich. He grew up locally, along with his younger sister, in Slavic Village.

With his wife Barbara, he built a home in Willoughby Hills, where they have lived throughout their marriage of 40 years.  There, he enjoyed spending family time and holidays with their joined families, including his son Mark Belich (Julie), step-children, Jim Grazko (Mary Beth), Lisa DiMattio (Greg), Laura Novotny (John), Kathy Todd (Steve), and grandchildren, Alec, Garrett, Hannah, Matthew, Ryan, Christopher, Jacqueline, Joseph, Benjamin (Michaela), William, Andrew, Sarah, and Charlie, sister Maxine Belich, niece Amy (Edward) Kosek, Breyant, Kylei, Chevy and D’Artagnan.

Marty passed on his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and outdoorsmanship to his family.  Together with Barbara, they rebuilt the Cabin Restaurant of Willowick, where they were co-owners for 21 years.  An avid golfer, he was a long-time Pine Ridge Country Club member.  Before developing Ventura Properties, he founded and managed several construction companies throughout his career, ultimately partnering with his son Mark to open Great Lakes Crushing, LTD.

Marty was happy to see that his love of hunting, fishing, and boating was shared by his son and grandchildren.  He also relished the memory of time spent building his boat, “Feel the Rush,” and racing in the American Power Boat Association.  Marty was a lover of animals, including Georgie, his rescued cat.  Always one to live his life to the fullest, Marty had many good times at his beach house in Florida, where he enjoyed cooking for neighbors and friends and hosting in his home out-of-town guests.  Marty enjoyed going deep-sea fishing, playing Bocce with his local friends, and ending the day watching the sunset from a favorite beachfront hangout.

Our family is grateful for the time we had Marty, and he will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Marty Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:30AM at THE FUNERAL HOME.  Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marty at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY from 9:30-11:30AM. Entombment following at All Souls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Marty’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.