Carlyn P Belsky

Carlyn Patricia (Medak Diiorio) Belsky passed away on April 28, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Carlyn, known to all as THE CRAZY RED HEAD, was born on March 16, 1937 and lived her entire life in San Pedro, Ca. She was raised in part by her loving grandparents Vesar and Anna "Strina" Setka , who taught Carlyn the love of cooking and to stand up for herself.. She attended Mary Star High School, graduating in 1955. She married Ralph Diiorio in 1957 and together they had 4 children.
After her divorce, Carlyn became a nurse at Kaiser Hospital Harbor City for over 12 years and it was there she met her second husband Jay Belsky . They were married for over 28 years until his passing, and had many happy adventures traveling the world together. They went on over 17 cruises, with her favorite place visited being lguazu Falls.
Volunteering started at a young age for Carlyn. She was president of the Red Pepper Club at the age of 12 that raised money for the Crippled Children's Hospital. As an adult, she volunteered at various organizations, including the Assistance League of San Pedro, Dana Jr High School where she taught a class to high risks teens, but the one she excelled at was with the Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Division. She volunteered there over 15 years working the detectives desk, on the CRISIS response team and spearheaded their annual fundraiser, Blues in the Night. She forged many friendships there , and especially cherished all her close relationships with the detectives.
Carlyn overcame many hardships with her health. She survived Polio as a teenager, requiring her to learn how to walk again. She underwent numerous surgeries, including an ankle replacement which to date had lasted over 6 years. Unfortunately , she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September of last year, leading to her death.
She was an active member of Holy Trinity Church, attending mass weekly with her 830am crew, and a proud member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge #966.
Carlyn was preceded in death by her husbands Ralph Diiorio and Jay Belsky, her parents Marty and Evelyn Medak, sisters Marlyn and Darlyn, and her great grand daughter Charlotte Lessing.
Her legacy will live on through her loving family- she is survived by her 7 children: Chris Marco, John (Marti) Diiorio, Ralph (Carlie) Diiorio, Vicki (Bob) Martinez, Marsha (Sobhy) Yousef, Mel (Karen) Belsky, Rose Kauffman and her bonus daughter Carrie (Mike) Francis; her 19 grandchildren; Jackie (Bill Benevente) Marquez, Johanna (Pete) Lessing, Bree (Kenny) Sobieski, Rita (Fino) Fernandez, Johnathan (Melissa) Diiorio, Nick(Jess Axtell) Diiorio, Justin (Karla Baez) Diiorio, Zach (Tyler Johnson) Abbott, Olivia (Luke) Hazel, Bobby (McKenna) Martinez, Ally Diiorio, Alyssa (Will) Koopal, Amira (Cameron) Kroeker, Jacob (Rachel) Yousef, Ben (Marley ) Belsky, Phoebe (Duncan ) Belsky McConnell, Jet Kauffman, Madi White and Samantha White; and 32 great grandchildren with 1 more on the way.
The family wishes to thank her amazing medical team that took care of Carlyn over the years; Dr Brent Ogawa, Dr Doug Olken, Dr Ameet Shaw , Kaiser Hospice Nurse Kristen Olomu, and Carlyn's helper Joy Miran. They'd also like to thank all the Baywater Condo residents who always watched

out for Carlyn and became a second family to her. Her services will be held on Monday May 12 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Church 1292 W Santa Cruz St, San Pedro, Ca. and in true Carlyn fashion, she asks everyone to wear brightly colored clothes to the service. Reception luncheon to follow mass at Michael's Tuscany Room 470 W 7th St, San Pedro, Ca. Burial to be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or St Jude Children's Hospital.