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Daniel Bell Obituary
Vero Beach, FL
Daniel Long Bell, Jr, 88 of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on November 29, 2017 after a long, hard fought, and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Durham, North Carolina on September 29, 1929 to Daniel Long Bell Sr and Allie Peoples Bell. He grew up in Pittsboro, NC, attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he earned his law degree. He was hired by Grand Central Railroad in New York City where he moved in 1954 to start his career. It was in his beloved new hometown of New York City in 1955 where Dan met his future wife, Mary Anne Bowns. They married in 1956 and started their lives together.
Dan and Mary Anne settled in New York City for two years and then moved to Riverside, Connecticut in 1958. Dan continued to work in New York City, and took a job as a corporate lawyer with Columbia Gas System in 1958. In 1970, Columbia Gas relocated their corporate headquarters to Wilmington, Delaware where Dan took the job as Assistant General Counsel. Dan received a promotion in 1973 to become Senior VP and General Counsel of Columbia Gas Transmission in Charleston, WV. He and his family lived in Charleston until 1976 when Dan was promoted to President of Columbia Gas Distribution in Columbus, Ohio. He took his final promotion and job transfer in 1979 back to Wilmington, Delaware to become Chief Legal Counsel and Senior VP of Columbia Gas System.
In 1995, upon retirement from Columbia Gas System, Dan and Mary Anne relocated to Vero Beach, Florida where they lived in Johns Island and enjoyed the many social activities there and in the Vero Beach community.
Dan enjoyed being active in the communities where he lived and most recently was in the Rotary of Vero Beach. He was a member of Community Church of Vero Beach. Throughout his life, he enjoyed boating and fishing, playing squash, tennis and golf. He was a member of Johns Island Club of Vero Beach, The Metropolitan Club of Washington DC, and The University Club in New York City.
Dan was predeceased by his wife of sixty years, Mary Anne, his sister Elizabeth "Betty" Bell, and his sister Alice Sebrell. He is survived by his three daughters, Mary Anne Bell, Lila (Craig) Hartman, Celia (Drew) Huggins, and six grandsons, Steven (Ashley) Hartman, Brian (Megan) Hartman, Chase Hartman, Thomas Mullen, Daniel Mullen and Troy Huggins, and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank you to the many caregivers that assisted Dan the last few years of his life. We want to recognize and especially thank Margie Thomas, his loyal caregiver for over four years. She was a wonderful companion and friend to Dan and brought him great joy every time she arrived. She was his fishing and card playing buddy and his confidant.
A service and celebration of Dan's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Mental Health Association of Indian River County, c/o: Our House Drop In Center, 820 37th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Bell
Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.
Rick Casali
December 17, 2017
Anne and I were saddened to learn of Dan's passing. I reported to Dan at Columbia Gas System for a number of years, and he was a great legal mind, and a true gentleman. When I traveled to Wilmington, DE, I often stayed with Dan and Mary Ann, and had many wonderful memories in their lovely home. And when Dan and Mary Ann retired to Johns Island, Anne and I would often visit for lunch at the beach club. Dan Bell hired many attorneys at Columbia Gas, and a number of them went on to become senior officer of the company. So he had a nose for talent. Dan and Mary Ann are missed by all those whose lives that they touched. With affection, Rick & Anne Casali, Stuart, FL.
Nancy Moon
December 10, 2017
I did not know of your passing!!! Somehow I was led to your site showing fresh flowers and a small sign with your name. I was just walking and saw this unbelievable sight. Not knowing of your illness, made it even harder to believe. Our past lives would fill a book with stories of many-many little children. Losing time together but never out of my brain and heart. Treasured past adding to my fondest memories. Loving you and your whole family.
Rosemary Willmot
December 7, 2017
JoAnn Schlitt left a tremendous legacy of giving and loving that will live on in the hundreds of lives she touched. The world is a better place because she lived. Thank you, Jo Ann.
Colleen O'Meara
December 4, 2017
I count myself one of the lucky kids who had Mrs. Schlitt's influence in her life. I remember every inch of the Route 60 house (maybe even better than I remember our house on Bonita.) She fed me black beans and rice too many times to count. I cannot wrap my head around the number of sequins she sewed onto the ballet costumes I wore. Or the number of times I borrowed her beautiful handmade costumes for Halloween and school plays. The O'Meara family was just one of the many families and I was just one of the many kids running through her yard & her house & her life. It always seemed like everyone was welcome and there was always room for one more. I am so grateful to have had your influence in my life. Know that I have your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Willmot-Scott
December 4, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the Schlitt family! I would like to think that mom (Ollie Crosby Willmot) was there to greet her dear friend when she arrived at the Pearly Gates.
Matthews
December 4, 2017
I didn't know you, I see by the posts that it was my lose. My sympathy to everyone who loved this great lady.
Jackie Scarcelli
December 3, 2017
Taylor, My condolences to you and all your family. What an amazing person your grandmother was and a beautiful life she led. So many wonderful stories, help and guidance she gave and so many peoples life she touched. Everyone was blessed to have her in their lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara & George Altonjy
December 3, 2017
Dear Bob and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jo Ann was a longtime friend, growing up and being classmates in Miami, being her bridesmaid, and catching up on our visits over the years. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Barbara Neuhart Altonjy and George Altonjy
Cindy Kerwick
December 3, 2017
Sending love and peace to all. I am grateful for the time that I spent with JoAnn and I am a better person for having been one of the many beneficiaries of her love and wisdom.
Dawn Dollins Steen
December 3, 2017
Absolutely a wonderful woman. The Dollins Family
Carol Sposato
December 3, 2017
Heaven gained one of the best Angels on earth! Thoughts and prayers to the Schlitt family from the Sposato family.
Emily & Todd Matuszewicz
December 2, 2017
Sending our love to all of JoAnn's family members. We remember the amazing Halloween costumes that JoAnn would sew for Alex and Maddie. She has left an incredible legacy through her family--what a remarkable woman.
MaryBeth Pisano
December 2, 2017
I realize how intertwined my whole childhood was with "The Schlitt's".
After I grew up, I was able to call you JoAnn but affectionately in my mind you were always Mrs. Schlitt.
The one who helped us get costumes ready every Halloween, then trick or treating along with my mom would take the chocolate away so we would not be poisoned.
Fed us countless meals and snacks (Charles Chips was my favorite). Gave us a place to go to afterschool. Everyday afterschool.
Taught me how to sew. I remember seeing you in your sewing room and being so fascinated. Like a captain sitting at the helm, you could dish out sage advice, laugh until we all felt like peeing, and then while we just sat there visiting with you, all of a sudden you would hold up your latest sewing creation that you somehow finished in the blink of an eye!
Taught me how to always just be honest and say it like it is. NO sugar coating allowed. I used to say to my sister Michelle that you had some kind of truth serum or something, because five minutes with you and I would unburden my soul to you.
Put together my entire wedding from the dress to the cake to the venue for the reception. You made it a beautiful day. And I thank you.
All throughout my life since, you have been there. You helped so amazingly after my mom died to put together the gathering when we all couldn't even think straight.
I knew you were always just a phone call away. I knew I could always count on you.
And times in life, when I have stumbled in my faith, you have been there to reassure me with your unyielding faith, in such a way that doubts fly away, and I am left with comfort and hope.
And now, memories are left. I will reluctantly allow this new chapter to begin. I will put my faith in God, and forever be grateful that you are always a part of who I am today. I love you.
Carol Beath
December 2, 2017
I LOVE YOU GRANGRAN..YOU AND I HAD A SPECIAL BOND THAT I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH.. YOU AND BOB TOOK ME IN AND LOVED ME AS YOUR OWN AND CARED DEEPLEY FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE...WHEN MIKE MARRIED MARYELLEN I CAME ALONG WITH HER AND I AM SO APPRECIATED OF THAT..YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT WOMEN AND I KNOW GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR YOU..I LOVE YOU GRANGRAN...❤❤❤
Mike T
December 2, 2017
Gran Gran was a love magnet. She did everything with love.
I only knew her for a few short years, but I miss her so much like I've known her for a lifetime.
My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Beth Stoffel
December 1, 2017
This is a great tribute to Jo Ann, I sure enjoyed reading about her awesome life! Wish I could be there for the service. Jo Ann (and Bob) helped me out when I moved to Vero 20 years ago and I have always been thankful to them for that. Love to all the Schlitts, my heart is with you.
Amy O'Meara Stevens
December 1, 2017
Fortunate to have wonderful memories of Jo Ann Schlitt and growing up in Vero with the Schlitt family. She was a special person. My prayers, love and sympathy to the entire Schlitt family.
Sharon Engle
December 1, 2017
It takes a "village" to raise a child... I was fortunate that you and Bob were a part of my village. Rest In Peace Big Mama - You are missed and greatly loved.
Pat ,Harry & family Strang
December 1, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family of our dear friend JoAnn . She touched , comforted, guided and saved so many lives that she will be close to many for ever .
Dolores & Tom Capobianco
December 1, 2017
To Bonnie and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Dolores & Tom Capobianco
December 1, 2017
To Bonnie and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Sheila Jensen
December 1, 2017
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jo Ann but through the many years Ive known her granddaughter Taylor, Ive heard many wonderful stories of what a caring, giving and loving woman she was. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Leslie Bouer
December 1, 2017
Nicole and I want to send our condolences to the entire Schlitt family. We so enjoyed Jo Anne what a loving person caring for all. I remember when she made those pumpkins costume for the triplets. At Spruce Pine. God bless her.
Becky Francois
December 1, 2017
Never had the pleasure of meeting her but my heart goes out to all that loved and adored her!!! Prayers to Kathy and all of her extended, huge family!!!
Cathy Policare
December 1, 2017
My prayers and sympathy to the entire Schlitt family.
Rhette Angus
December 1, 2017
Jo Ann was an inspiration to all about loving and caring. Heaven truly gained an angel this week. Love and prayers, Rhette
December 1, 2017
With love & prayers we are thinking of you. The Britts.
December 1, 2017
She was a great fighter & will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. My condolences & love to her family. The Britt Family.
Kathleen Schlitt
December 1, 2017
I'm deeply saddened by losing you. You meant a lot to me and I loved you very much. We've had our ups and downs, but you taught me how to embrace who I am. Thank you for all the love and guidance for myself, but especially to my children and grandchildren (your grandchildren, Tiffany, Anthony & Patrick and your great-grandchildren, Connor & Cathryn). You will be missed by us all. We will ALWAYS cherish the memories you left in our hearts. I love you. Love Always, Kathleen Schlitt
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