Robert E. Bell

Robert Eugene Bell, 70, of West Warwick, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at home with family by his side. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Dorothea (Gay) Bell.

After high school and a brief stint in college, Robert proudly enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he served honorably for four years aboard the USS Vigilant out of Massachusetts, achieving the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. During his service, he performed search and rescue operations and was credited with saving several lives - an accomplishment he carried immense pride in throughout his life.

Robert had a deep love and respect for the ocean, which shaped his character and sense of discipline. Whether fishing, hunting, or whitewater rafting with friends in Maine, he found great pleasure in the great outdoors. He was deeply patriotic and continued serving others through his work as a security guard at Johnson & Wales University and Kent Hospital.

Robert instilled in his children a strong sense of old-world values. He took great pride in his personal appearance and believed that respect, manners, and self-discipline said a lot about a person's character. He often wondered when some of those courtesies seemed to fade away in society. Despite that, he led by quiet example - dignified, steadfast, and true to who he was.

Of all his roles in life, one of the most meaningful was being a grandfather. Robert played an especially important and constant role in the life of his grandson, Ronald, serving as the father figure every young man needs. He guided him with the same love, structure, and old-fashioned wisdom that defined his own life - lessons that will carry on through Ronald for years to come.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jacquelyne Bell of West Warwick, and Elizabeth Minchala of Trumbull, Connecticut; his beloved grandchildren, Ronald Rego Vital III, Esmé Jeanette Minchala, and Vivienne Claire Minchala; and two sisters, Lynn Fontaine and Laurie Bell. He also leaves behind his former wife and dear friend, Claire Bell, and his loyal hound, "No Fun Fred."

Visitation will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, on Friday, October 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., concluding with a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are asked to go directly to Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter on Saturday, October 25 for 11:15 a.m. Committal prayers with military honors will take place at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island at https://www.hopehealthco.org or to your local animal shelter.