Known as Charlie, Bellatti was a recognizable and a beloved presence on IC’s campus, where he often connected with students, faculty and staff, and supported the College’s athletic programs.

“Charlie Bellatti epitomized Illinois College’s mission of living a life dedicated to leadership and service. His philanthropy and dedication to his beloved Illinois College will continue to impact our students for decades to come,” said Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley. “I will always remember Charlie’s enthusiasm at Illinois College basketball games and the strong relationship he built with staff over lunches in Cummings Dining Hall through the years. I join the hundreds of alumni and friends who mourn his loss.” Bellatti was honored with the College’s Distinguished Service Award in 1983 and the Doctor of Humane Letters in 1998. A longtime trustee for Illinois College, Bellatti gained emeritus status in 1998. He was also a decades-long trustee of Sigma Pi literary society.

A graduate of Jacksonville High School, Bellatti enrolled at Illinois College in 1943, served in the United States Army and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois. He worked as a student sports writer at the University of Illinois, where he later became sports information director from 1956 to 1970. He then returned to IC as director of alumni affairs and public information until 1977, when he joined Carson and Barnes Circus as director of publicity and advertising.

Since his retirement in 1986, Bellatti continued to pursue his many passions. He showed unwavering generosity to Illinois College, financially supporting The Bellatti Tennis Complex, Bellatti Fitness Center and the newly renovated Joe Brooks Baseball Field and Jessica Kamp Softball Field. He made transformational gifts to the IC Fund, Illinois College Varsity Club, Illinois College Fine Arts Series, student-faculty research, basketball program, Sigma Pi literary society and theatre program.

Bellatti once answered an alumni survey question asking if relatives have attended IC by saying, “many – virtually all.” Alumni family members include his father, Walter Bellatti 1905; mother, Marian Capps Bellatti 1914, brother, Walter R. Bellatti ’36; brother, John E. Bellatti ’40; nephew, Robert Bellatti ’70; niece Sandy Stallings Bellatti ’70; nephew, John W. Bellatti ’71; and great-niece, Beth Bellatti Allen ’93.