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KEVIN BELLA Obituary
BELLA, 49
LAKELAND - Kevin P. Bella, 49, passed away on June 30, 2018.
Born July 24, 1968 in Oak Lawn, Illinois to Michael Bella and Jackie Bella.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents Michael 'Mickey' Bella and Jackie Bella; a brother, Mike Bella; and a niece, Shaina Sweeney; and nephew, Sean Bella.
Although he lived in several states Kevin loved Lakeland, Florida. He was a very special friend to a lot of people who lived near and far away. He worked most of his life in the Newspaper business. He loved riding around in his 1973 Mustang convertible and going to St. Pete Beach. He was very special and would go out of his way to help anyone who was in need. We love you Kevin and will miss you deeply.
A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, July 13th at 11:00 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 501 E. Carter Rd., Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KEVIN BELLA
Mike Pfaff
June 29, 2025
It´s still hard to put into words what our friendship meant to me, Kevin.
Looking back, we had lots of laughs and good times, and we worked hard.
I´ll always hold on to those good memories.
I miss you!
Sharon
July 7, 2024
Kevin,
I know I haven't written in a while.... You're passing seems like yesterday.. Your memories are still fresh and my mind,.. until we meet again...
Love your girls,
Sharon and Bella
Mike Pfaff
June 30, 2024
To my friend, Kevin,
I still struggle to find words that can truly express my sorrow at your passing. You were more than a friend to me.
Until we meet again...
With eternal love and gratitude,
Mike
Sharon
November 2, 2023
Missing you today Kevin
Mike Pfaff
June 29, 2023
June is always a sad month for me, Kevin. It does give me a chance to reflect on all the wonderful times we had together. I still miss you so much! Love always, Mike
Sharon K spillane
June 28, 2023
It feels like yesterday when I received the tragic news that you were gone.. Even though I had just spoken to you hours before...I wish I would have driven home to you that night...I miss you so much Kevin.. Bella and I will always remember all the Great Memories and will see you again.. Love you... Sharon
Mike Pfaff
June 1, 2023
I never forget about you, Kevin. I miss you so much!
Sharon spillane
June 30, 2022
Kevin.. as usual we are on the beach getting ready to light our vigil lantern for your celebration of life... Bella and I miss you more than you will ever know... I still just don't have the words.. it feels like just yesterday... I can't wrap my head around the fact that you are gone. We love and miss you.. your girls
Sharon and Bella
Mike Pfaff
June 20, 2022
Dear Kevin,
I always say this, and it´s still true today, I Miss You! I miss being able to talk with you.
After almost four years, I still have difficulty coming to terms with your passing. My life has been empty without you.
I hope you know how much your special friendship meant to me. It´s hard to express the pain I feel from losing you.
We shared so many good memories, and on some days, it´s hard to believe that you´re gone.
You were and still are, loved by many.
With much love, Mike
Michael Bella
July 24, 2021
Happy Birthday Kevin, you would have been 53 today. You will live in our hearts, our thoughts and everything we do. RIP Son love Mon & Dad
SHARON
June 30, 2021
Kevin today is a very hard day for Bella and I.... I don't even have the words to say right now to put down.... People say losing a loved one Eventually gets easier... Well I am living proof that it doesn't..... We miss you so much every day.... Here is a picture of you when Bella and I gave you our cat Nina.... I wish I knew where she was and could get her back... But I'm sure she is in a loving home.
Love you so much
Is Sharon and Bella
Mike Pfaff
June 30, 2021
Kevin, today is a painful and challenging day for me, and the loss of you is still in my mind. Today I honor your life with many memories of you. Love and miss you much. Mike
Mike Pfaff
June 4, 2021
Kevin,
It’s been almost three years now and I still can’t say it’s been easy living without you. I still can’t talk about your passing without getting upset.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never see you again. But, I do have many memories, a few photos, and this Legacy page, that I visit every day.
You were taken way too soon. I don't think you understood just how much happiness you brought to so many people. Nobody was a stranger to you.
As always, I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Love, Mike
One of many cruises..<br />
Sharon spillane
March 24, 2021
Remainders all the time of all the Great times we Shared together!!!
This was My Birthday Cruise
sharon spillane
January 2, 2021
Kevin,
Missing you so much... it's not getting any easier.
Love Sharon
Mickey Bella
December 23, 2020
Another Christmas without you Kevin. It get harder every year. We will be together again . There are a lot of things we need to talk about love you and miss you so much.
Dad
Mike Pfaff
December 21, 2020
Kevin--Funny Story,
I remember the first night we printed El Nuevo Dia in Lakeland, the largest newspaper in Puerto Rico. They wanted to reach an audience from Orlando to Tampa and they selected us as their print partner. This was their first time printing in the US.
The newspaper was a large, colorful tabloid product. It was to be printed in the wee hours of the morning with you night shift staff, who were accustomed to printing broadsheet newspapers in the straight run configuration.
El Nuevo Dia had to be printed in the collect mode, with a plate up configuration that your night folks were unaccustomed to.
I had asked you to do a roll up on press 30 to 45 minutes prior to the actual pressrun. We needed to make sure plates were plated in the correct position. Well, you failed to do a roll up, and as luck would have it, when we went live, we found plates/pages in the wrong positions. A mistake that took us over an hour to correct and made us late for delivery for the very first printing.
To make things worse, the President and two other executives from El Nuevo, along with their camera crew were in your pressroom, ready to video this historic event. It was a very big deal to them and us.
To say the least, I was livid and confronted you as to why you didn’t do a roll up on press prior to going live. Your response was that you had confidence in your crew’s ability to get it right from the start. That response made me more livid. I then asked you what do you recommend we do next? You said, “first I recommend you get the heck (you used a different word) off my press deck and let my folks do their jobs without you around. I laughed and left the press deck as you recommended. :-)
What a night, lots of lessons learned, but you finally pulled it off and the El Nuevo folks were more than happy from that night forward. Looking back it was kinda funny, especially you telling me to leave your department. You were right.
This has been a hard year for me and everyone else in this country. And not having you here to spend the holiday season with, has been even more difficult.
Miss you so much, Kevin!
Love, Mike
Mike Pfaff
November 14, 2020
Another holiday season approaching without you, Kevin, but I still visit with you “here” everyday.
I was thinking the other day about a business trip you, Mike Sullivan and I, made to Seattle to attend a NYT Production Quality Conference. During this event, you picked up another first place trophy for quality printing of the NYT National Edition.
Our hotel was across from the Puget Sound and what a beautiful view. We also took a NYT sponsored dinner event on a huge boat in the Sound. It was a week-long event, and we got to see some old friends from various printing sites, from around the country.
I remember that the conference ended on a Friday morning and our plane didn’t leave until late afternoon, so we decided to rent a car and drive up to Mount Rainier. What a beautiful scenic trip. We stopped along the way to eat lunch at an old-time family restaurant about halfway up the mountain.
When finally getting to the top, we were about 3 hours from the airport, and it dawned on us that we only had a little over 3 hours to get back down the mountain, in order to make our flight. Any other time, we wouldn’t have cared, and may have stayed another night, but you had a scheduled flight out the next morning for a trip you had planned.
So here we go, driving 60-70 mph down the mountain, and I can tell you I was scared to death that we may go off the side of the mountain. You were driving.
Anyway, we made our flight, with about 10 minutes to spare. Fun times I will always cherish.
I miss you, man..I love you! Mike
Mike Pfaff
August 27, 2020
Hey Kev,
To date, all my posts have been about our friendship. But, we were co-workers, before we were friends.
In my 36 years of working in newspaper production management, I worked with many managers, but none as dedicated as you.
*Your leadership to motivate, boost morale and focus on your employees was second to none. You were responsible for a 24/7 operation and worked as much on the night shift and weekend shifts as you did the day shift, in an effort to make yourself accessible, and treat with respect, all employees. Seventy+ hours per week was the norm for you.
*Your dedication to produce an On-Time, Quality Product was second to none.. You printed many different products within your operation, but one particularly stands out: Printing The National Edition of The New York Times, where you won Three Annual Consecutive First Place Trophies for Quality. A feat never done before you or after you. A record that will probably never be duplicated again.
Your love for newspaper printing ,and your interest and concern for your employees, made you the Best of the Best. I miss working with you!
Mike Pfaff
August 3, 2020
Kevin,
I know you remember in Nov or Dec 2016, I voice recorded an old Willie Nelson song and sent it to your cell phone. You called me and told me how bad my singing was. I said it's about the words not my singing ability or inability. Here are the lyrics:
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
And it will be that way till the end
Wherever we go, I want you to know
You're my buddy, my pal, my friend
Miss you daily,
Mike
Sharon spillane
June 30, 2020
St.Pete Beach Spinners!
Sharon spillane
June 30, 2020
Kevin
It's been 2 years... I would actually had just gotten off the phone with you earlier this evening....
In just a few hours the Lord took you home... I didn't get a warning... Completely unaware that last night two years Ago would be the last time I would hear your voice... Or see your face...
Everyone tells me things get easier over time....
It hasn't.... It's bearable not easier...
Today has been so hard for me.... Every good every bad every memory... I've pondered over all day long.... later on Today Isabella and I Will be heading to Saint Pete beach..to Light a Floating Lantern..into the sky at the beach Right by our old Beach house To honor your memory....
I just don't even know what to say...
Bella and I miss you so much...
We love you
Your girls
Sharon and Bella
Mike Pfaff
June 25, 2020
It's been almost two years and my heart still aches with the sadness of losing you, Kevin.
I miss you, I love you and I thank you for being such a good friend.
Mike
Sharon spillane
May 16, 2020
I miss you....
Mike Pfaff
February 6, 2020
Dear Kevin,
There's not a day that goes by that I don't visit you here.
I can't count the number of times I've needed to talk to you, Losing someone as special as you has been very difficult for me.
I Just Miss You!
You will always be remembered.
Love you always, Mike
You always had her hand.
Sharon spillane
February 2, 2020
These pictures came up on " Memories" FB page... ...
Bella mentions you often... I still Struggle with you being gone... we miss you Kevin
Love you Always
Your Girls
Michael Bella
December 24, 2019
Another Christmas without you and it still hurts not to have you here. We think about you every day and wish you were with us. Love you Kevin and miss you so much.
Love Dad
played a decent day of golf here... ... took Bella to the park before going and getting her Halloween Stuff
Sharon spillane
October 28, 2019
Kevin
There is not A-day that goes by that I don't think about you...... You're passing has been very hard on Isabella... ... ... I did not honestly realize how close you two were... ... Today we would be going and getting Halloween outfits and candy for Bella. ... ... She misses you so much... ... We love you!
Mike Pfaff
August 9, 2019
To my friend, Kevin,
I wish I had spent more time with you after I left Florida. I'm sorry that "texting" became our main source of communications.
You had the kindest heart, always looking out for others. Telling you I miss you doesn't come close to describing how I feel.
I thought time was supposed to heal, but it hasn't healed anything.
Until I see you again....Love Mike
Mickey Bella
August 8, 2019
Kevin I will be going to St Pete beach soon to put your ashes where you always told us you wanted them. I am having a hard getting myself to do this but I promise I will. Thinking of you every day and miss you so much.
Love Dad
Bella and her Daddy Kev
Sharon spillane
July 27, 2019
Love you!
Sharon spillane
July 27, 2019
Love you!
Sharon spillane
July 27, 2019
Love you!
Sharon spillane
July 27, 2019
our little family
Sharon spillane
July 22, 2019
we were a Great Couple
Sharon spillane
July 22, 2019
I Love you
Sharon spillane
July 22, 2019
One of my favorite memories!
Love you Kevin!
Yep I folded you into a bunk bed!
Sharon spillane
July 12, 2019
you convinced me to try Conch...
Sharon spillane
July 12, 2019
Kevin You're on my mind today... Just a few years ago we were Care Free on a weekend Cruise... ... You used to just book things without me even knowing and would say " Pack up" we're going On a trip! I miss those little trips with you!
Missing you,
your girl Sharon
BELLA & BELLA ♡♡♡
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
She did try helping Kevi lol
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Goofing around on one of our many family vacations
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Not many people realized We Were a Family
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Breakfast at the Beach house
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
That about sums it up!
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
In her eyes....You'll always be her Daddy
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Isabella wanted a bird...Kevin got her a Bird
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
BELLA AND BELLA
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Isabella loved her Daddy Kevi
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
You lightning Isabella's 3rd year Birthday Cake
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Sharon spillane
July 1, 2019
Kevin
Kevin it's 5:30 in the morning and I really haven't slept tonight and all..... It seems like yesterday We were downtown Lakeland going to coffee shops.....
You, Bella and I getting tasty treats and trying out different coffees as we took Isabella Lakeland Rock hunting!
It's been a Year Kevin..... I'm finally going to take off my engagement ring... Don't worry I'm going to have it reset into a pendant necklace one for me and 1 for Bella you'll always be close to our hearts and we will always remember you.
Last year on your birthday July 24, 2018... To celebrate your life we went to St.Pete beach And lit lanterns to go up in the sky hopefully into the heavens letting you know that we were thinking about you.
Today we will be going to the same place our favorite place.... The place that we all made so many memories you Bella and I..... And we will once again Light lanterns and let them go in remembrance of you and how much we love and miss you.
Sharon spillane
June 30, 2019
Kevin
Kevin it's 5:30 in the morning and I really haven't slept tonight and all..... It seems like yesterday We were downtown Lakeland going to coffee shops.....
You, Bella and I getting tasty treats and trying out different coffees as we took Isabella Lakeland Rock hunting!
It's been a Year Kevin..... I'm finally going to take off my engagement ring... Don't worry I'm going to have it reset into a pendant necklace one for me and 1 for Bella you'll always be close to our hearts and we will always remember you.
Last year on your birthday July 24, 2018... To celebrate your life we went to St.Pete beach And lit lanterns to go up in the sky hopefully into the heavens letting you know that we were thinking about you.
Today we will be going to the same place our favorite place.... The place that we all made so many memories you Bella and I..... And we will once again Light lanterns and let them go in remembrance of you and how much we love and miss you.
She always looked up to you.
Sharon spillane
June 27, 2019
Bella and her Kevy
Sharon spillane
June 27, 2019
Kevin....
It's almost been a year and it feels like yesterday...
My heart still hurts....
We will always love you....
You were like a father to Isabella and she misses you..
I told her tonight that you will always be watching over us.
Mike Pfaff
June 22, 2019
A year has almost passed and the pain of losing you is still so very strong. I wish I had spent more time with you, but I visit with you Every Day. I do enjoy the pictures of you that Sharon has posted. I have pictures of us together that I will treasure forever. I feel so lucky to have had such a good friend like you in my life. Rest easy, Kevin. I love you. And know that you will never be forgotten. --Mike
Michael Bella
June 21, 2019
Its almost a year since you lift us. I think of you every day and will never understand us losing you. I wish we would have had more long talks so I could understand what was happening to you. Growing up you were a special kind of person. When we meet again and l hope we do it will be a special time.
Love Dad
You are always protecting her and she knew it.
Sharon spillane
June 21, 2019
Sharon spillane
May 8, 2019
http://www.vigovideo.net/share/video/6538582097379708162/?tag=0&from_uid=6532037275465859073&share_ht_uid=6532037275465859073&utm_medium=flipagram_android&tt_from=&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_source=&iid=6562031072941639425&app=flipagram
❤❤❤❤❤
Sharon spillane
May 5, 2019
Went to our special place over the weekend in St.Pete.... Bella so misses you!
She remembers so many good times with you...
We Love and Miss you
True love
Sharon spillane
April 8, 2019
Missing you more than ever right now.
Isabella misses you Kevin You were such a great father figure you don't know how much you mean to her. She truly looked up to you.
She just remembers spending all offer time together.
I miss you.
❤ your girls!
You always were right by her side.❤
Sharon spillane
April 4, 2019
❤❤
Sharon spillane
April 4, 2019
TRUE LOVE
Sharon spillane
March 24, 2019
Kev,
I've been thinking of you often.. Especially this month bc.. Of course this was usually when we were celebrating mine and Isabella's Birthdays... And going on our usual Spring Break Cruise lol
I can't believe you're gone... I mean, I just want to pick up the phone and call you... I don't think anyone knows what we had together, and I miss that so much.
I miss you Kevin❤
Love you always with all my heart,
Your girl
Sharon
Mike Pfaff
March 23, 2019
Kevin, Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I struggle to come to terms with your passing. You were way too young and undeserving of this fate. You were a perfect friend! Memories of us working hard and playing hard I'll keep forever. I love you and miss you. Mike
Sharon spillane
March 17, 2019
Missing you
March 17, 2019
Miss you
Isabella loves you so much... Remember taking all the Easter eggs and giving them to her❤
Sharon spillane
March 17, 2019
I think about you every day, Kevin. Bella often says she misses you...
Sharon spillane
March 17, 2019
Mickey Bella
March 11, 2019
Thinking of you every day Kevin. Miss you so much I hope you are looking down on us. Love Dad
Mike Pfaff
February 15, 2019
Hey Kevin, I visit this site and talk to you every day. I miss you so very much. I remember the last times we were together....Thanksgiving 2016 and the week after. I often wonder if you knew how much your friendship meant to me. I miss our talks and wish we could talk just one more time. Losing you breaks my heart. Love you so much! Mike
January 18, 2019
Miss you at the cabin this year Kevin, you in our heart and thoughts the whole time. I know all the family remember the good times with you. I know you are watching over us.
Love your dad
Missing you my Kevin
Sharon spillane
January 17, 2019
Shaina, Steve, Madison, & Ramsey The Sweeney Family
August 11, 2018
Uncle Kevin, you were more like a brother to me. I have so many memories with you over the years that I will cherish forever from taking trips together to just long conversations. There was never a dull moment with you around. We promise to make sure your memory lives on. I will always remember saying bye to you at Christmas when I was pregnant and giving you a hug and you pointed to my stomach and said to take care of that. Well you never got to meet Madison but I will make sure she knows about her Great Uncle Kevin and how full of life he was. Our family will never be the same and the world is now with one less smile, but I know you are in a much better place and with us everyday. We know we have a guardian angel with us now. We love you and miss you always.
Mickey Bella
August 9, 2018
I think of you every day and miss you so much. Rest In Peace my son, we will be together again. Love you Dad.
Sharon and Isabella
July 27, 2018
Today Kevin we were supposed to go and spend the weekend at the beach for your 50th birthday!!!
There's not a day that goes by that Isabella and I do not think of you!!
Everyone in my family misses you dearly!
We will be going to the beach your favorite
St Pete and Lighting and letting go biodegradable lanterns that fly high in the sky... This will be our celebration of life for you
...ALL OF US MISS YOU!
I will always love you Kevin,
Sharon and Bella
Your Girls........
Mike Pfaff
July 15, 2018
A true friend. I love you, Kevin.
David Anderson
July 12, 2018
The Anderson's send their heartfelt condolences on this tremendous loss. No one could've asked for a better friend.
Steve and Debbi Storicks
July 11, 2018
Sorry for your loss. Kevin, you will be missed.
william kranenberg
July 11, 2018
Kevin,
You will be greatly missed, You had a heart of gold. I have only good memories with you. I could tell dozens of stories, of the things we did together. My sincere condolences to the Bella family. All you guy at the Florida press, next year raise glass and toast honer to Kevin.
Sharon
July 10, 2018
Kevin,
You will always be in my and Isabella's heart.
We will never forget the years we spent together.
We will love and miss you!
Rest in Peace
Love,
Sharon and Bella
Sharon
July 10, 2018
Kevin,
I'm thankful for the all the years that we spent together!
Isabella and I will miss you!
I love you my dear Kevin you can now rest in peace.
Sharon
July 10, 2018
Kevin,
I'm thankful for the all the years that we spent together!
Isabella and I will miss you!
I love you my dear Kevin you can now rest in peace.
JD
July 10, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Kevin Kennedy
July 10, 2018
Lakeland was one of my favorite sales stops all because of you and the Ledger crew. You will be missed but never forgotten. God bless you and your family. RIP Kevin/
Sherry Nessamar
July 10, 2018
Will never forget all the fun an FUNNY times we shared. I will miss you.. ❤
Mark McCall
July 10, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bella family. I can't believe it's been almost 29 years ago when we meet, a lot of memories. Rest In Peace my friend.
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