Eric N. Bellefontaine

Eric N. Bellefontaine, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.

Born September 29, 1939 in Portland, Maine, to William R. and Dorothy (Wiggin) Bellefontaine, Eric grew up in Cape Elizabeth and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1957. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. After completing his military service, he attended the University of Maine at Orono, earning both his bachelor’s degree in English and his master’s degree in Education.

Eric began his teaching career at Limestone High School in Maine, where his passion for education took root. On September 4th, 1964, he married the love of his life, Julia (Dinsmore) Bellefontaine. After the birth of their first child, Danna, Eric and Julie made the decision to leave their beloved Maine in search of new opportunities. Eric toured New England in pursuit of a teaching position and was charmed by the small town of Lee, Massachusetts. Offered a position at Lee High School, he and Julie made the exciting decision to settle in the Berkshires.

From 1967 until his retirement in 1995, Eric served as a teacher and head of the English department at Lee High School. Loved by all of his students, he was awarded “most popular teacher” during class superlatives several times throughout his career. Fondly known to generations of students as “Mr. Bell,” he approached each school day with enthusiasm and genuine care for his students. His colleagues became lifelong friends, and he always treasured running into former students, hearing about their lives, and celebrating their successes.

Outside of Lee High School, Eric taught courses at Berkshire Community College and earned his real estate license, spending summers working as a realtor for Leisure Lee.

In his younger years, Eric loved hunting and fishing in the woods of Maine. He cherished bridge and poker nights with Julie and their close friends and found his greatest joy at the family camp on Bog Lake in Northfield, Maine. Sitting on the deck with a Manhattan in hand, surrounded by family and friends, was when he was happiest.

Eric was predeceased by his beloved wife, Julia, in October 2023. He is survived by his children, Eric Bellefontaine II and his wife, Kelly, of Pittsfield, and Danna Snow and her husband, Brian, of Lee; six grandchildren — Jonathan, Benjamin, Katrina, Daniel, Brenna, and Jack — and three great-grandchildren- Emilia, Henry, and Brody.

Funeral Services for Mr. Bellefontaine will be on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1pm, at the First Congregational Church in Lee, MA. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 4 to 6pm at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee, MA. Those wishing may make donations in his memory to can do so to the USO or to Lee High School in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home at 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238. Burial will be at a later date in Machiasport, ME.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our website at https://www.kellyfuneralhome.net/