Dr. Frank R. Bellaire

Millersville's "Father of Meteorolgy," Dr. Frank R. Bellaire, arrived at Millersville State College in 1967.

According to Dr. William Jordan, professor of geology, Bellaire arrived an exciting time in Millersville's history.
...
The math and science schools were newly born and forming curriculum and identities when Bellaire joined MU's team.

Bellaire graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1942, and he also earned degress from the University of Michigan and the University of Hawaii.

From November 1942 to February 1946, Bellaire served in the Philippines during World War II.

Bellaire answered the call of duty again when he served in the Korean War as well from January 1951 to July 1952 at Point Mugu, Calif.He worked as an aerological officer with the Acorn Unit.

Prior to coming to Millersville, Bellaire was a researcher and lecturer in meteorology at the University of Michigan.

In the 1940s and '50s, he also spent some time as a research meteorolgist at the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory in San Diego, Calif.

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As Jordan explained, Bellaire came to the University at a time when the computers and mapping software, which students use today, wasn't even around.
...
Relying on years of experience, Bellaire farmed his passion for meteorology into a top-notch science program.

Although Millersville had some meteorology courses in place in 1967, Bellaire took the lead in developing a comprehensive meteorology curriculum.That same curriculum, though changing over time, helped establish Millersville's current meteorology program.

From this same drive, Bellaire parlayed his talent into the University's weather station.

He helped establish the school's reputation as a first-rate weather observation station, said Ross.

Bellaire retired from Millersville in 1974 but remained active in the surrounding community.

But perhaps more impressive about Bellaire was his affable and down-to-earth personality.

"Frank was a nice guy," said Jordan.
...
Bellaire was an avid outdoorsman and swimmer.

...
Mrs. Bellaire explained that her husband had been swimming for most of his life and had become more active with the sport after undergoing heart bypass surgery in 1982.

In fact, for several years he held the world record in the 200-meter freestyle swim for his age group.

In the 1990 Masters Swim Meet at Harvard university in Boston, Bellaire won first place in the 50, 100 and 200-meter freestyle events for his age.

He often competed around the world in swimming events, sometimes traveling as far as Japan to test his mettle in the water.

Bellaire spent some of his time after retirement helping handicapped adults learn to swim at the local YMCA.

It was there, during practices and swim meets that the former Millersville professor truly distinguished himself.

According to his wife, Bellaire would sometimes give his medals - won by his own hands in swim competitions - to the handicapped swimmers as they completed their laps.

...
Dr. Frank R. Bellaire, a pioneer in the MU meteorology department, died at age 88 on Friday, September 25, 1998.

The Snapper Online, Copyright © 1998

Millersville's Father of Meteorolgy , Dr. Frank R. Bellaire , arrived at Millersville State College in 1967.

According to Dr. William Jordan , professor of geology , Bellaire arrived an exciting time in Millersville's history.
...
The math and science schools were newly born and forming curriculum and identities when Bellaire joined MU's team.

Bellaire graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1942 , and he also earned degress from the University of Michigan and the University of Hawaii.

From November 1942 to February 1946 , Bellaire served in the Philippines during World War II.

Bellaire answered the call of duty again when he served in the Korean War as well from January 1951 to July 1952 at Point Mugu , Calif..He worked as an aerological officer with the Acorn Unit.

Prior to coming to Millersville , Bellaire was a researcher and lecturer in meteorology at the University of Michigan.

In the 1940s and '50s , he also spent some time as a research meteorolgist at the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory in San Diego , Calif..

...
As Jordan explained , Bellaire came to the University at a time when the computers and mapping software , which students use today , wasn't even around.
...
Relying on years of experience , Bellaire farmed his passion for meteorology into a top-notch science program.

Although Millersville had some meteorology courses in place in 1967 , Bellaire took the lead in developing a comprehensive meteorology curriculum.That same curriculum , though changing over time , helped establish Millersville's current meteorology program.

From this same drive , Bellaire parlayed his talent into the University's weather station.

He helped establish the school's reputation as a first-rate weather observation station , said Ross.

Bellaire retired from Millersville in 1974 but remained active in the surrounding community.

But perhaps more impressive about Bellaire was his affable and down-to-earth personality.

Frank was a nice guy , said Jordan.
...
Bellaire was an avid outdoorsman and swimmer.

...
Mrs. Bellaire explained that her husband had been swimming for most of his life and had become more active with the sport after undergoing heart bypass surgery in 1982.

In fact , for several years he held the world record in the 200-meter freestyle swim for his age group.

In the 1990 Masters Swim Meet at Harvard university in Boston , Bellaire won first place in the 50 , 100 and 200-meter freestyle events for his age.

He often competed around the world in swimming events , sometimes traveling as far as Japan to test his mettle in the water.

Bellaire spent some of his time after retirement helping handicapped adults learn to swim at the local YMCA.

It was there , during practices and swim meets that the former Millersville professor truly distinguished himself.

According to his wife , Bellaire would sometimes give his medals - won by his own hands in swim competitions - to the handicapped swimmers as they completed their laps.

...
Dr. Frank R. Bellaire , a pioneer in the MU meteorology department , died at age 88 on Friday , September 25 , 1998.

The Snapper Online , Copyright © 1998