Richard T. Bell

Richard T. Bell, 97, of Williamsport, died peacefully, Monday, December 31, 2018 at Rose View Center.  He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria D. (Morrell) Bell on March 25, 2001 after 53 years of marriage.

Born March 6, 1921 in Williamsport, he was a son of Melvin and Margaret (Noon) Bell.

Dick was a 1939 graduate of Williamsport High School. He was a lifelong democrat who had no problem calling a spade a spade. When WWII broke out Dick was a journeyman machinist tool and dye maker working at AVCO Lycoming. When he went to enlist in the Navy he was told he couldn’t because his job was too important to the defense industry. Later he returned to the angst of the recruiter and was told the same. He replied he didn’t have a job because he quit. His tour of Duty in the Navy during WWII took him to Midway Island where he worked his trade fixing, and refitting, Subs. After the war he and his wife had life-long friendships and reunions with his mates and their wives. After the War he worked at Carey McFalls and later retired from Sylvania after 34 years.  

Always family first, Dick enjoyed grilling steaks for friends and family, and also liked to hunt and fish. Never a tea drinker; he enjoyed his beer and particularly his homemade wine which he took great pleasures in sharing with any visitors! Dick was proud of his ancestry, his maternal grandfather erected the catholic church in Cascade Twp. His paternal grandfather fought in the Civil War and his great great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, which he has the discharge papers from the VA for both of them.

Surviving are three children R. Michael Bell (Linda) of Reading, Susan Hause (Richard) of White Deer, and Thomas S. Bell (Jeanine) of Williamsport, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, two lifelong friends, Donald Fullmer, and “Judd” Hinaman.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Jamella Bell and an infant brother Alan Bell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m.  Friday, January 11, at St. Joseph the Worker, Parish, Annunciation Church 702 West Fourth St. Williamsport. Burial will be private in Wildwood Cemetery.

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