William “Bill” Calvin Bell

William 'Bill' Calvin Bell, age 98, of Lebanon, NJ, peacefully passed away on February 28, 2026 after a long, happy life full of accomplishments.

Bill was born on August 4, 1927, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Joseph and Marie Bell.

Bill had three careers throughout his life. His first career was playing alto saxophone in big bands, playing behind folks like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. When he became a dad, he needed a steadier income, so he went to work for Columbia Records. There, he rose to the position of vice president.

After years of working for Columbia Record Company, the stress of working and commuting between Manhattan and New Jersey motivated him to start painting, a hobby which he grew to love, developing into his third career. Bill described painting as "my fun, my therapy, and my challenge." His paintings often depicted complex scenes based on his memories and impressions of people, pets, events, Biblical themes, and dreams. Bill's work has been reproduced over the years as prints, posters, greeting cards, T-shirts, puzzles, children's books, album covers, and plates for the Franklinand Danbury Mints. He was represented in galleries on Madison Ave in New York and Montreal. His artwork is still being licensed by companies worldwide. On his paintings, Bill said, "I paint nostalgia and nonsense. Nostalgia for the world that used to be and nonsense for the world of my dreams."

Bill's last forty years were spent in rural North Jersey in his sunny studio, painting alongside the love of his life, Dolly, while she cross-stitched and quilted. They shared 76 joyous years of marriage. Dolly and Bill met in a West Philadelphia public school when Dolly Bauer sat in front of Bill Bell with her beautiful red hair falling down her back onto his desk. Bill said he always loved Dolly's hair, but shared that he knew Dolly was "the one" in sixth grade after being paired together for a school recital and hearing her sing for the first time.

Bill is survived by his three loving children: Christopher (Rob) Bell and his wife, Janice; of Gilford, NH; Stephen Bell and his wife, Karen, of Dunellen, NJ; and John Bell and his wife, Wendy, of Bend, OR. His four grandchildren: Karyn and her husband, TQE; Kevin and his wife, Erin; Jenna; and Carter. His four great-grandchildren: Alex, Aiden, Jackson, and Whitney. His two step-grandchildren: Lexi and Caitlin. In addition, he is survived by his half-sister, Kathy Bell.

Bill is predeceased by his beloved wife, Roberta 'Dolly' Bauer.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Sunrise Senior Living of Bridgewater for the quality care during his last weeks before passing.

A memorial gathering and service will take place on March 28, 2026 at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Details will be updated momentarily. Interment will be private.