Thomas Proudfit Bell

Thomas Proudfit Bell, 84, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Washington, Pennsylvania. Born on October 3, 1941, Thomas lived a life full of music, creativity, and craftsmanship. He attended Trinity and graduated from East Washington High School. His career began in 1960s as a hairdresser in Pittsburgh. Beyond his work with hair, Thomas was a gifted drummer. He played for the original Marshmellow Steamshovel alongside Harry Turner and Tony Janflone Sr. They released a single on Head Records called Mr. Mold. In the late 1970s, Thomas relocated to Florida, where he transitioned from hairdressing to sailmaking. He worked with Mack Shaw and Hood Sails before establishing his own successful business, Bell Sailmakers. He lived life on his own terms with a very independent spirit. Thomas was a beloved father and grandfather, survived by his children with former spouse Sue E. Bernotas (John), T. Mitchell Bell, Chere R. Bell, and Laura M. Bell Porto (Mark); and grandchildren Matthew C. Locy (Cody), Christopher R. Bell (Erica), Colby J. Bell, Joshua T. Bell, Bea E. Bell, Evan T. Bell (Ashley), Corianne L. Bell (William), Shannon N. Jones, Leigha R. Jones (Frankie), Sean E. Jones (Hailie), Matthew C. Porto (Kelsey), and Kelly M. Porto, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest K. Bell, step-father Robert W. Brownlee, mother Margaret Proudfit Bell Brownlee, and his son and daughter-in-law Mark E. Bell and Terri Vecchi Bell, and his loving cat Grayson. Honoring his wishes, Thomas requested no services, with only immediate family present. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to support his burial fund and his passion for jazz through the following links: Remembering Tom Bell Burial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering- tom-bell-burial-fund and Washington Jazz Society https://www.wccf. net/charities/washington-jazz- society