Peter V. Bella

1953 - 2025

Bella, Peter V.

Over 72 years, Pete was a policeman, writer, photographer, cook, and museum guide. Born in Wicker Park, raised near Midway Airport, he graduated from Brother Rice.

He joined the Chicago Police Department in 1978 after working at the Medical Examiner's office. Over 29 years he worked in Lawndale, Pilsen, Little Village, Rogers Park, Wrigleyville, and the Skyway.

Photography was a hobby that started in college. When he transferred to the Forensic Service division, he had an instructor that was a professional photographer. Pete later said the instructor "taught me everything about photography" and he put his skills to good use - documenting everything from graffiti to murders.

On his own time, he kept taking pictures, but instead of crime scenes, he focused on the people and places of Chicago neighborhoods. Pete loved Chicago, and while he enjoyed a good vacation, nothing seemed as interesting as his home town.

Pete went to all pockets of the city - telling the Sun-Times in 2023 that "people are nice, they chat with you, ask you to take their picture. I'll stop in some of the businesses and talk to people. It's nice." In a Chicago Tribune article the same year, he further explained that "Often, I'll just sit and observe. I'll go anywhere. I'm not afraid. I'll be carrying $2,500 of equipment but nothing bad or dangerous has ever happened."

While Pete may have retired from CPD in 2007, he hardly retired. He turned a six week gig at the Driehaus Museum into a job as a guide that lasted more than five years. He took classes at Chisel & Palette and Kendall Culinary School. He wrote a few different blogs that talked about his hobbies, experiences and other musings about Chicago.

He finished a NYT crossword every day and delighted in reading and sharing obituaries. Most afternoons he could be found on a barstool, competitively watching Jeopardy. Pete was a good conversationalist, he was also not afraid to disagree with people and didn't waste time worrying what they thought of him.

Pete shared his curious nature with his daughter, Cordelia. They tried restaurants, went to street fairs, spent afternoons at museums, and every Lincoln site in Chicago. Just as they routinely went to Police Mass and then lunch afterward, they explored Chicago neighborhoods.

At 70 he had his first photography show, "Chicago in Black and White" at the urging of his friend, artist Tony Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick told the Chicago Sun-Times "I was aware of his photography for years and thought - This guy is a really good street photographer. I wonder if he knows he's an artist?". The show was a success.

Pete described his time as a Chicago Policeman as "the best job in the world." He often said "I do not miss the circus. I miss the clowns." Its a safe bet that applied to more than the police department for Pete.

Pete is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Hamilton, and his daughter Cordelia.

A memorial Mass will be held on January 25, 2026 at 11:00 at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry .

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