Richard C. Bell

Richard Clarke Bell, beloved family man, passed away on August 26, 2023, surrounded, as always, by his loving family.

Richard is survived by his wife Patricia (Geaber) Bell and their large and loving family; Sharlene and her husband, Peter Podedworny, Rochelle and her husband, Jon Zeyl, Melanie Bell, Brandon Bell, and Michaela McElheny. He is predeceased by his son-in-law, Joe McElheny.

His grandchildren, Tori, Ella and her fiance, Jake Moran, Emi, Sophie, and Livie Zeyl, Cole and Logan Podedworny, and Brooke and Aiden Bell were the lights of his life. He was known as Grandpa, Bebop, and Pa by his grandchildren. He was eagerly expecting his first great-grandchild’s arrival in January.

Richard was born on June 14,1948, on Flag Day, which was a fitting date for a man who raised and lowered his American flag with every sunrise and sunset. His parents were the late Henrietta (Nason) and William Bell. He is survived by his sister, Jeannie Waggoner, and his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Audrey Bell. His extended family includes Joe and Rosemary Geaber, George and Liz Geaber, Phil and Jackie Geaber, and John Geaber. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Al Waggoner, and his sister-in-law, Diane Geaber. His multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of his family filled his days with joy.

Richard and his wife, Patti were high school friends, who fell in love on Galilee Beach in the summer of ‘69. They dated and married within a six month whirlwind romance. They have been inseparable since their marriage on December 6, 1969.

Richard started working at the age of thirteen and was currently employed by Landscape Creations as a truck driver.

He enjoyed driving anything with wheels. He spent his days with his wife Patti, his children, and his grandchildren, enjoying the achievements and passions of each and every one of them. His favorite thing in life was spending time with his family. Whether running errands, riding his bike, watching parades and games, or going out to dinner or on vacation, he was happy to take part in every second of their daily lives. No matter how big or small the events may be, he was always there to lend a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a proud look of approval to his family and friends.

He and Patti spent evenings down by the beach, enjoying the special location where they had fallen in love. She was his light and his rock. They weathered the multiple storms thrown at them by life, standing together, unwavering, at every step. She adored him and he felt the same way about his cherished partner in life.

Richard’s absence will be felt by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all of the lives he impacted with his love and his smile.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:00am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High St., Wakefield. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Peace Dale. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, dav.org.