JOHN M. BELL Sr.

1935 - 2014

Bell, John M. Sr. Age 79, of West Newbury, formerly of Belmont, MA and Saco, Maine, died Friday evening, December 12, 2014 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was the devoted husband of Monica (Schebera) Bell. Born in Saco, Maine on September 27, 1935, he was the son of the late Frank and Eula (Pike) Bell. He attended Boston University and was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Mr. Bell was a proud Veteran who served with the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He worked in the food service industry for many years and was a member of the Food Service Executives Association. Later on, Mr. Bell became an insurance agent and worked in that industry until his retirement. Mr. Bell was an active member of St. Mark's Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Newburyport and past Master of the Belmont Beaver Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Belmont, MA in 1993. He was a 32nd degree Mason receiving the degrees in both the York Rite and Scottish Rite Masonry. He was also a long time member of the Aleppo Shrine Pipe Band of Wilmington, MA. Additionally, John had been a lifelong member of the Boys Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout in 1953. Throughout his life he had a keen interest in history more particularly in the Civil War. In addition to his wife of 51 years, he is survived by two sons, Andrew Bell and wife Doreen of Rutland MA, and John M. Bell, Jr. and companion Carol McDermott of Newburyport MA; a daughter, Laura Bell of Auburn Alabama; two sisters, Claudia Ferguson of Maryland and Gail Canty of Florida; two grandchildren, Joseph Katz and Aidan Bell. He was predeceased by a sister, Beverly Lary of Cape Elizabeth Maine. Visiting hours at the Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, NEWBURYPORT, will be Thursday, Dec. 18th, from 4-8 P.M. with Masonic Services conducted by St. Mark's Lodge at 7 P.M. during the visiting hours. Funeral services and interment will be private for the family. Donations in his memory may be made to the Thornton Academy Endowment Fund, 438 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072-20854. (https://www.thorntonacademy.org).