Anna D. Bellisari, 86, passed away on Saturday July 25, 2026. Born December 8, 1939 in Goettingen, Germany, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1948.
A 1958 Graduate of Brookville High School, where she was Valedictorian of her class and Wittenberg University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Alma Mater. She earned her Master’s and Ph.D. at The Ohio State University.
A long time professor of anthropology at Wright State University, Anna had a strong appreciation of different cultures and spent countless hours at the Columbus Zoo, working with the primates, in particular a Chimpanzee named “Sheba.” Sheba left her mark on many family members…
Anna enjoyed travel and study throughout the world. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Erna, and daughter Joyce. She is survived by her daughter Maria (Chris) Matthews; grandchildren Andy Grinter, Kelly (Kevin) Rooney, and Michael Scaglione; great grandson Ronan Rooney; brother Dr. Andreas Walchner; sister Ricki (Jess) Blair; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday August 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maeder-Quint-Tiberi Funeral Home, 1068 S. High St, where memories will be shared beginning at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Partners in Health or Chimp Haven (for Sheba), 13600 Chimpanzee Pl., Keithville, LA 71047.
