Mr. Bellamy was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Irene Parham on June 10, 1951 in Lackwanna, NY. To this union, six children were born. They settled in Lackawanna where Mr. Bellamy literally "peddled his way to success." He started as a bicycle liquor deliveryman in 1954. Eleven years later, he had ridden his way into his own business, which was first of 12 that he would found. His businesses created jobs in a community where hope had become a memory and opportunity was only as close as the next government check.

In 1969, Mr. Bellamy founded 1490 Enterprises, Incorporated, a not-for-profit community center and served as president until 2002 when he was succeeded by his son, Herbert L. Bellamy Jr. He took a blighted, inner-city warehouse and turned it into and eyesore into an oasis for the entire community. It presently houses many agencies and programs, feeds over 150 seniors a day and is gathering point for the elderly. As owner and manager of Bellamy Enterprises, Mr. Bellamy has provided housing as well as employment. He believed that if you provide jobs for individuals, you have solved 95% of their problems. The housing complex on Jefferson Avenue, 1490 Manor and the senior citizen housing stands as a testament to this community and city. Each year, 1490 Enterprises, Inc. sponsors the "Black Achievers in Industry Awards Dinner" which honors many community leaders.

Mr. Bellamy has received over 150 awards and honors including the first Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award, Man of the Year, Canisius College President's Award, the Buffalo Urban League Family Award and an honorary degree from Canisius College. He was the first African American Civil Service Commissioner, first director and vice president of the Downtown Nursing Home. He also served as Councilman-at-Large for the City of Buffalo for nine years. Mr. Bellamy has also served on many boards: Canisius Board of Regents, Western New York Liquor Retailers, Bethel Head Start Program and others. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP. In 1990, Mr. Bellamy was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as a member of the NYS Commision on Judicial Conduct. He also served as a Director of Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority in 1994.

In 2001, a section of Jefferson Avenue between East Delavan Avenue and East Ferry Street was designated as "Herbert L. Bellamy Way."

Mr. Bellamy accepted Christ as his Savior and served as a trustee at the Prince of Peace Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Bishop Leroy Anderson and was a member of the St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Bennett W. Smith. Mr. Bellamy served diligently with the late Rev. Smith and Rev. Michael Chapman until his health began to decline.

On Wednesday, March 8, 2006, Mr. Bellamy went from labor to reward. Having been a devoted husband, father, and friend, his memory will be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.