Health Center Retiree Goes Out in Style

by Jonathan Weaver

Armstrong County Health Center staff and residents waved from their rooms and the parking lot as Amy Bellas left in a white Lincoln Town Car limousine yesterday afternoon.

Amy, a nurse for more than 29 years, officially retired at the end of her shift Thursday afternoon - on another special date.

“Today’s my birthday – I’m 65 years old today – and I waited (to retire) until I was old enough for Medicare and thought ‘I’m going to retire on my birthday.’ My sister and I three years ago said ‘When we retire, we’re going to get a limousine and walk out of here hand-in-hand and go to the casino.”

Illness caused sister, Ramona Troutman of Kittanning to retire earlier than expected, but Amy still labeled Thursday’s retirement ‘a special occasion.’ Troutman still rode in the limo with Amy on their way to Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

“I don’t know if it’s hit me yet,” Amy said. “I’ve been here for so long and it’s been such a part of my life.”

Amy, of Rayburn Township, graduated from Kittanning Senior High in 1966 and did not immediately pursue further education.

“I got married and had three children – I was staying at home one day and said ‘You know what – I always wanted to be a nurse’ so I decided to go to nursing school,” Bellas said. “Then, I started to work here and (Health Center staff) came and said they needed more RN’s.”

Amy graduated from Lenape Tech School of Nursing in 1983 and began as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the County Health Center in April 1984. Seven years later, she was taking classes after work at Citizens School of Nursing (now operated by Allegheny Valley Hospital) in New Kensington to become a Registered Nurse.

“I’ve seen a lot of employees, lot of different residents, a lot of different changes in just everything,” Bellas said. “I was telling the girls today when I started, my youngest son (Robert) was in kindergarten and he’s 35 years old now.”
While Amy and her husband -Rayburn Township Fire Chief Joseph (Henry) Bellas, Jr. – live in Rayburn Township, her three children -oldest son, Joseph III, daughter, Linda and youngest son, Robert live in Kittanning.

Amy looks forward to babysitting her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – with two more on the way – as she enjoys retirement.

“I’ve become real good friends with everyone that works here, and it’s hard to go, but you have to go eventually,” Amy said. “I want to go while I still have my health and I can still enjoy my children and grandchildren.”

Also in the parking lot applauding and sipping champagne were sister, Robin Skrabut of Ford City, best friend Sue Giron and retired Health Center Administrator Nancy Dragan.

Dragan said the two have remained closed friends since her own retirement two years ago.

“Amy’s a lot of fun and a wonderful nurse. So compassionate,” Dragan said.

Skrabut is also an RN and works at the Clarion Psychiatric Center.

“She’s a very hard worker. She inspired me to become an RN,” Skrabut said.

Health Center staff arranged a luncheon in Amy’s honor August 7th.

Nursing Director Beth Costanzo worked with Amy as an LPN and as an RN, and said Amy was very versatile and caring in her work.

“She is just one of the cornerstones of (the Health Center), and we’re really, really going to miss her,” Costanzo said. “She’s been an excellent nurse and an excellent caregiver, an excellent advocate for the residents and a whole lot of fun to work with. And she’s a good friend, to all of us.

“It’s a happy day, but it’s a sad day.”

Amy - also known as the Rayburn Township Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary President - blew her former co-workers a kiss as the limo left North McKean Street.

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