Robert William Bell

July 12, 1960 - December 30, 2025

It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Robert “Bobby” W. Bell.  

He was well fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church.

Beloved husband of Mary Denise (nee Buckley) Bell, and loving father of Nicholas (Christy) Bell, Alexander (Kristin) Bell, Bridgette (Nicholas) McNay, Patrick (Marie) Bell, Abraham (Monica) Bell, Augustine Bell, Lucy (Christopher) Riddle, Anastasia Bell, Anthony (Maria) Bell, Blaise (Ashley) Bell, Athanasius (Joelie) Bell, and Philomena Bell. He leaves behind 46 adoring grandchildren with 2 on the way.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Russell “Gus” Bell, as well as his daughter Genevieve Marie Bell and his son, Mario Joseph Bell, who passed in utero. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Bell Dolle and his 6 siblings: Debbie, Buddy, Randy, Timmy, Becky, and Terry. 

Bobby Bell can be remembered for countless things, but it may be his laughter that will adhere most profoundly in the memory of all who knew him. It was loud, it was joyful, and it was infectious. It represented so many of the qualities that made him the man he was; happy, patient, giving, understanding, and loving. He gave his laughter to all without reservation, and it was the beacon of peace and security that his family gathered around. His laughter along with his generosity of heart, was one of his greatest gifts. It was his audible symbol of love, and it will forever echo in our hearts and be heard for generations to come.

Bobby was born in Cincinnati on July 12 th , 1960. As his mom says, “Bobby came into this world to make us happy and greet everyone with a smile.” He was raised Catholic, graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School and began his career as a golf professional at the age of 19. He soon thereafter met Denise and they were joined in Holy Matrimony in February of 1982. Although he remained passionate about golf throughout his entire life, he used his talents and passion for all sports in his coaching of countless baseball and basketball teams for his sons, family, and friends, where he consistently won the admiration of his players through his vision and enthusiasm, and brought them to many victories. He was also gifted with a knack for working with his hands and building, which he turned into his livelihood later in life. Many know him for his remarkable skills in remodeling, and when he wasn’t on a job for a client, he was found using his weekends and evenings sharing hearty laughs with his family as he led them through all of their various projects. Even if he didn’t have the knowledge or experience for his many ventures, he was resolute in figuring it out and seemingly fearless in his approach. Along with his unshakeable faith and his many devotions, Bobby consistently accepted the crosses in his life cheerfully and believed that the sanctification of his soul would be accomplished through the labor of his hands and as the fruit of his work.

Bobby was a devoted father who no matter what the errand, coaching commitment, or situation, would have one, if not several of his children (and eventually even grandchildren) at his side. From the earliest years of his time as a father and the innumerable sports games, road trips, screen printing ventures, crosswords on the couch with his kids, karaoke nights, and Bellview productions, to his later years as the patriarch, and the hundreds of Catan games, dart matches, trivia nights, and of course Bellapalooza, his love for and pride in his family was his motivation. True love makes a man foolish in the eyes of the world and Bobby would have rather looked like a fool to the world if it meant persevering in his love for his Faith, loving wife, children, family, friends, and his simple line of work.

Bobby and Denise’s tireless perseverance in their devotion to marriage and all the needs of their family, will be profitable for generations after, who they have enabled through their earnestness. 

“Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the children of men.” Proverbs 8:31

Public visitation will be held on Tuesday January 6th, 2026, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm with the rosary at 8:00pm at Thomas Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.

A public Requiem sung mass will be offered at 9:30am on Wednesday January 7th, 2026, at Old St. Mary’s Church, 123 E. Thirteenth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. The funeral procession and burial immediately following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery.