Rođen:18.07.1940. (Ilovik, Hrvatska)
Preminuo:23.11.2025. (Richmond, Virginia, Sjedinjene Američke Države)
Dob: 85
He was born on July 18, 1940, at home on the Croatian island of Ilovik, to Stefania Bernich and Ivan Belanich, in a house his parents and brothers shared with his grandparents without electricity or running water. His favorite childhood memories were simple: running barefoot throughout the island without ever stopping long enough to eat.
In May 1957, his family escaped Croatia under cover of night and spent 21 months in three refugee camps in Italy while waiting for permission to immigrate to the United States. They arrived at the west docks of New York City in February 1959. William immediately began working as an insulation journeyman, a trade he continued until entering the U.S. Army in 1963. He served until 1965, stationed in Germany. He became a naturalized American citizen on March 29, 1966-an identity he carried proudly for the rest of his life. When asked where he was from, his answer was constant: "I'm American by choice, but I was born in Croatia," said in his trademark booming, deep, and multi-accented voice.
After several years of self-employment, he moved to Richmond, Va., where he met his life partner, Ballard Crooker, and began a long career with Waco Inc. He rose to senior vice president and ultimately became president in 1985 – marking an incredible achievement and one he was proud of.
William believed in building community, not just companies. In 1989, he established the Chickahominy Family YMCA and remained deeply involved in the Richmond Rotary.
He retired in 1992, but in 1994 a call from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond changed everything. The diocese needed a translator for a Bosnian family newly arrived in the U.S. William stepped in, never imagining how profoundly intertwined their lives would become. He ultimately became the father to the family's youngest child, Bella, beginning a lifelong bond that reshaped their lives.
Anyone who knew William will remember him as both a character and a force: endlessly curious, unguardedly generous, and incapable of turning away from someone who needed help. He spent hours listening to people's stories and helping in any way he could. Over the course of his lifetime, he impacted the lives of far more people than he ever claimed credit for.
He was an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and more than 50 countries. He traveled the world playing and competing in Bridge, explored the ocean as a scuba diver, played tennis, skied, invested himself in photography, and prioritized time with friends and family. His philanthropy included a multi-million dollar contribution to Virginia Commonwealth University in support of expanding its lung disease programs.
William was predeceased by his brother, Charles J. Belanich (2012), and his longtime friend and companion, Ballard I. Crooker Jr. (2006).
He is survived by his daughter, Bella (Ryan) Glynn; his brother, John D. (Loretta) Belanich; and seven nieces and nephews-Sarah (Ryan) McDonald, David (Tesalia) Belanich, Adam (Ani) Belanich, Noah Belanich, Brian Belanich, Eric (Linda) Belanich, and Stephanie Belanich-along with 14 great-nieces and great-nephews.
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