Francis Edwin Bell

Scottsdale - Francis (Frank) Edwin Bell passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2025, while traveling on a cruise with the love of his life, Peggy (née Ernst).

Born in New York City on August 14, 1940, Frank was the eldest son of Francis Xavier (1913-1968) and Caroline (née Barry) Bell (1917-2004). He was predeceased by his brother, William, and is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Peggy; his sister, Carol Bell of Boston; his three sons, Stephen (Allison) of Denver, Peter (Marilee) of Boston, and Brian (Lucia) of Hudson, WI; and his sister-in-law, Mary Ann of South Carolina. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew (Robyn), Michael, Erik, Kristian, Frank (Maeve), Bradley, PJ, and Sonja, as well as two cherished "bonus" grandchildren, Lily and Grey.

From humble beginnings in the Bronx, Frank built a life defined by hard work, deep faith, and an unwavering love for family and friends. He grew up in a home where money was tight but love and resilience were abundant. He often said his parents "did the best they possibly could," and that their struggles lit a fire in him - a fire that fueled everything he pursued.

A gifted athlete, Frank excelled in both baseball and basketball. After standing out at Babylon High School, he earned an athletic scholarship to Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where he graduated in 1962. That lifelong drive to "be the best that I could be," as he often said, shaped every part of his journey. Whether on the court, in business, or in life, Frank was competitive, disciplined, and determined. He liked to joke that golf humbled him more than any other sport - though, fittingly, he still managed to record a hole-in-one at age 78.

Frank and Peggy were high school sweethearts and married in 1962 at St. Joseph's in Babylon, NY. By age 25, they had three boys in diapers - "learning on the fly," as he liked to say. Those early years were challenging but also the foundation of something extraordinary: a close, loving family that remains tightly bound today. His first and greatest goal in life was to be a good husband and father. He often admitted there were moments when he fell short - particularly during the years he battled alcoholism - but his courage to face that truth and change his life was nothing short of heroic.

Frank stopped drinking in 1975. "We had nothing - no car, no job, no money - but we had each other," he often said. From that point forward, he rebuilt his career, his faith, and his relationships. He loved to remind his family that he hadn't had a drink in 50 years - not out of pride, but out of gratitude.

After completing the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leadership Class at Quantico, Frank began his professional career at J.P. Stevens & Co. in New York, quickly earning a reputation as a talented and trusted salesman. His career took the family on a journey from Long Island to Burnsville, MN, to Cincinnati, OH, to Albany, NY, and ultimately back to the Twin Cities, where they settled in Woodbury, MN. His work was always centered on helping clients succeed - a commitment that carried through to his final role as Senior Vice President at Geneva Companies, a leading mergers and acquisitions firm, where he retired in 2000. Frank and Peggy then began a joyful new chapter in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Frank and Peggy traveled all over the world together, but some of their favorite journeys were the ones that took them around the country to spend time with their grandchildren. They never missed a recital, art show, sporting event, or graduation. No grandchild's birthday was ever complete without a spirited phone call from Grandma and Grandpa, joyfully singing "Happy Birthday" from start to finish - with plenty of laughter, love, and just a touch of off-key enthusiasm.

Faith was at the heart of Frank's life. A devout Roman Catholic, he was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale. Frank didn't just attend church - he lived his faith through service. For 18 years, he and Peggy volunteered every Wednesday night at André House in Phoenix, serving meals to those in need. Later, he became a Minister of Care at Thompson Peak Medical Center, bringing Holy Communion and comfort to the sick. He once told a story about visiting a hospitalized woman who hadn't been to church in 40 years. After praying with her, she wept and said, "This is the best day I've had since my husband died." That was Frank - bringing light, compassion, and connection wherever he went.

Frank loved people - and people loved Frank. He thrived in the company of friends, sharing stories, laughter, and genuine warmth. When he and Peggy moved to Vi at Silverstone in Scottsdale, he immediately joined - and later led - the hospitality group, welcoming new residents, inviting them to dinner, and making them feel at home. "I never forgot that outreach," he once said. "So now I do the same for others."

For the past several years, Frank delighted in donning a full Santa Claus costume and spreading holiday cheer at the community's annual Christmas party. It was pure Frank - joyful, generous, and full of heart. He believed that friendship, like faith, was an act of service - and he lived that belief every day.

Frank Bell was a man who built a life from nothing; who stumbled and got back up; who found joy in faith, purpose in service, and meaning in love. Most of all, he was a man who made everyone around him - family, friends, and even strangers - feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Frank, we love you and miss you deeply, but we take comfort in knowing you now rest in the peace of Christ and in the loving embrace of our Lord.

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A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 22, at 12 noon (MST) at St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale.

10815 N. 84th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to André House or St. Vincent de Paul in Frank's memory.

https://andrehouse.org/ways-to-give/

https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give