James Bellagamba, flooring specialist who loved golf

James V. “Jimmy” Bellagamba of 75 St. George Place, Walnut Tree Village, Sandy Hook, co-founder of one of Ridgefield’s oldest family businesses, died on Friday evening, June 7, at his home.
Mr. Bellagamba, a Ridgefield native who had lived here most of his life, was 79 years old and the husband of Helen Grommes Bellagamba.
James Vincent Bellagamba was born in Ridgefield on Nov. 16, 1922, a son of the late Joseph and Ida Bottachari Bellagamba. He attended Ridgefield schools and left Ridgefield High School to enter the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a supply seaman in the Pacific Theatre, including the Philippines.
Mr. Bellagamba was a flooring specialist. In 1955, he and Andrew Bloomer formed B&B Floor Covering. When Mr. Bloomer left the business around 1986, Mr. Bellagamba established Bellagamba Floor Covering of Ridgefield, which is still operated by his son, Peter.
A lifelong Ridgefielder, he had lived at 569 North Salem Road until moving to Sandy Hook 15 months ago.
He and his wife had recently marked their 47th wedding anniversary. The couple was married May 14, 1955 at St. Stephen’s Church by the Rev. Aaron Manderbach.
Mr. Bellagamba enjoyed gardening and refinishing furniture, but his favorite activity was golf. “He would rather play golf than eat,” said his wife, who noted that he was so anxious to play that he would often arrive at the course by 5 in the morning. His regular golfing partners were Todd Kolb, Ed Lesh and Fibber Biagiotti. For many years the Bellagambas spent January and February at Myrtle Beach, S.C., where Mr. Bellagamba could enjoy midwinter golfing.
He was a member of Dhly Ridge Men’s Golf Club and of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Besides his wife, Mr. Bellagamba is survived by a daughter: Robin L. Bellagamba of Bethel; two sons, Peter M. Bellagamba and his wife Carrie of New Milford, and Jeff Bellagamba and his wife Laurie of Ridgefield; a brother: Silvio Bellagamba of New Fairfield; a sister: Mary Krompinger of Bethel; five grandchildren: Dena, Anthony James, Michael, Matthew and Kevin; and many nieces and nephews.
A brother, Evo Bellagamba, died before him.
The Rev. John R. Gilchrist and the Rev. Victoria Miller conducted a memorial service Tuesday, June 11, in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Burial will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in Mr. Bellagamba’s memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 800 Main Street, Southbury, CT 06488 or to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.
The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.