The Life of Paul Bryan Belanga
Paul Bryan Belanga, 80, of Alexandria, died Wednesday, October 18th after a three-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Paul passed away while listening to prayer and surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Solveig (Balleby), and his 3 children, Natalie, Sean, and Kevin.
Paul was born the youngest of 4 on October 22, 1936 in Creswell, NC. Growing up on a farm in rural North Carolina, Paul proved capable of greater things. He excelled as a student and athlete and eventually realized his dream of attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he graduated in 1959. He went on to a distinguished career in public service and retired from both the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Always curious and adventurous, Paul traveled extensively with his wife, Solveig, and for a time worked in Rome, Italy.
Paul was a giving person who volunteered in many capacities once he retired. He was an active member of Saint George’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Outreach Committee and supported the HOST Program to help feed the homeless. Paul spent many hours working with Samaritan Ministries and visiting with the elderly and infirm. He served as President of the Association of Former International Civil Servants for over a decade. Paul was an ardent Democrat who contributed his time to various campaigns and the smooth functioning of the electoral process. An avid conversationalist with a sincere interest in the ideas and perspectives of others, he especially loved talking politics and world affairs. Paul enjoyed all things Tar Heels, Redskins, and Nationals. Paul was also a proud amateur genealogist and enjoyed continuing his sister Evelyn’s, efforts to trace the Belanga lineage.
Paul is survived by his wife, Solveig; sister, Norma; 3 children, Natalie, Sean, and Kevin; daughters-in law, Alisha and Yumi; and 11 grandchildren, Jehane, Gabrielle, Tyler, Jeremy, Christine, Sophia, Dominic, Sonya, Evelyn, Maeve and Alessia. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Sindelar and Frances Mitchell.
A funeral service will be held at Saint George’s Episcopal Church, 915 North Oakland Street Arlington, VA 22203 on Saturday, October 21st at 9:00AM. Jefferson Funeral Chapel will be handling all arrangements. Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the UN Refugee Agency (www.unrefugees.org).
Paul was born the youngest of 4 on October 22, 1936 in Creswell, NC. Growing up on a farm in rural North Carolina, Paul proved capable of greater things. He excelled as a student and athlete and eventually realized his dream of attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he graduated in 1959. He went on to a distinguished career in public service and retired from both the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Always curious and adventurous, Paul traveled extensively with his wife, Solveig, and for a time worked in Rome, Italy.
Paul was a giving person who volunteered in many capacities once he retired. He was an active member of Saint George’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Outreach Committee and supported the HOST Program to help feed the homeless. Paul spent many hours working with Samaritan Ministries and visiting with the elderly and infirm. He served as President of the Association of Former International Civil Servants for over a decade. Paul was an ardent Democrat who contributed his time to various campaigns and the smooth functioning of the electoral process. An avid conversationalist with a sincere interest in the ideas and perspectives of others, he especially loved talking politics and world affairs. Paul enjoyed all things Tar Heels, Redskins, and Nationals. Paul was also a proud amateur genealogist and enjoyed continuing his sister Evelyn’s, efforts to trace the Belanga lineage.
Paul is survived by his wife, Solveig; sister, Norma; 3 children, Natalie, Sean, and Kevin; daughters-in law, Alisha and Yumi; and 11 grandchildren, Jehane, Gabrielle, Tyler, Jeremy, Christine, Sophia, Dominic, Sonya, Evelyn, Maeve and Alessia. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Sindelar and Frances Mitchell.
A funeral service will be held at Saint George’s Episcopal Church, 915 North Oakland Street Arlington, VA 22203 on Saturday, October 21st at 9:00AM. Jefferson Funeral Chapel will be handling all arrangements. Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the UN Refugee Agency (www.unrefugees.org).
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Military Service
War:
Unknown
Branch:
United States Coast Guard
Rank:
Unknown