Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gerald Bell Obituary
William Bell Sr., 85
FALMOUTH -- Gerald (Joe) William Bell Sr., 85, of Falmouth, passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.
He was born on Sept. 15, 1925, in Veazie, to the parents of George S. and Ethel May Bell. Gerald was predeceased by his siblings, Arthur, George R., Hartley, Alvena, Virginia and Audrey.
Gerald graduated from Bangor High School and was a member of the class of 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army; completed his basic training in Biloxi, Miss., with advanced radar training in Boca Raton, Fla., and served in World War II.
After his discharge from the Army, Gerald worked for the Maine Central Railroad before being recalled to service in the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Grenier Army Air Field in Manchester, N.H., returning to Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, where he was a member of the Air National Guard. Upon discharge, he had achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.
After his service, he was an active member of the VFW.
In 1952 Gerald joined the Metropolitan Insurance Co. first as an agent and then as a manager, leaving in 1966 to open an antiques, auction and appraisal business in Brewer. He and his wife, Norma, ran a successful business in Brewer for over 30 years. In 1995, Gerald and Norma moved to Falmouth and continued in the antique and auction business with their son, Gerald W. Bell Jr. Gerald and his son worked together for over 40 years traveling extensively throughout the Northeast, Florida and California buying antiques and collectibles.
Gerald was married to Norma Diana Taylor on Nov. 30, 1946, and celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Gerald is survived by his wife Norma; and he will be missed by those he leaves behind: his daughter, Betty Jean Brennan and husband Eric of Newburyport, Mass., his son, Gerald W. Bell Jr. and wife Tannia of Falmouth; his five grandchildren, Kristine Reilly of Stamford, Conn., Thomas Brennan and Meghan Licata both of Los Angeles, Calif., Kaitlynn Porterfield of Pittsburgh, Pa., Brittany Bell of Falmouth; and his two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Fiona Reilly.
His family would like to thank all of the professional staff at Beacon Hospice for their wonderful kindness and care.
Donations to the Lighthouse
Foundation in memory
of Joe can be sent to:
The Light House Foundation
Care of Beacon Hospice
54 Atlantic Place
Foden Road
South Portland, Maine 04106
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Bell
6 Entries
Carl Spencer
May 2, 2011
Sorry for your Loss , Blessings during this time........
Carl Spencer Portland, Me.
Jeanne Flagg
May 1, 2011
To the Bell Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Bell's passing. I have really enjoyed my conversations with him through the years when I pass his house during my walks through the neighborhood. I will miss checking to see if he is sitting in his famous chair in the garage and his wave to me as I drive by. I think of you often Mrs. Bell I hope to still see you working on your gardens. Your neighbor Jeanne Flagg
April 27, 2011
Dear Brit,
I am so so Sorry to hear of your Grandfathers passing, my heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers and if you need anything, please call all my love Margaret Harmon
Terry Grindle
April 27, 2011
Gerry and family, my sympathy and condolences go out to you.
April 26, 2011
To the Bell family,
It was always such fun to see Gerry,Norma,Gerry Jr.and Tannia at the antique auctions ,Brimfield and on the road.Gerry was a talented and clever antique "picker" who always had exciting antiques.I feel lucky to have known him and remember those good times fondly.Wishing Norma and all the family all the best.In sympathy,Betty Berdan
Alan & Diane Mathieu
April 26, 2011
So sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. He was a true treasure! and a wonderful neighbor. We miss him...and Norma. Our prayers are with his family.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Gerald Bell's name
Memorial Events
for Gerald Bell
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Bell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
