Joseph P. Bell Sr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Paul Bell from this life to his adventure in the next.

Joe achieved many things in his life, but his greatest joy came from the love of his life, Eleanor; daughters, Regina, Michelle (Craig) and Bernadette (Alvis); and son, Joe (Stephanie). Then there are his 12 grandkids (who got away with way more than his kids), Tyler (Vee), Mallory (Jonathan), Kyle, Zachary (Christyn), Abagail, Nicole (John), Larry II (Dani), Markus, Andrew, Meg (Matthew), Ryan and Hannah. Last but certainly not least are his four great-grandkids, Alessandra, Charli Grace, Will and Aila (GPa was always up for playing a game of hide and seek or wearing a bucket on his head).

The eleventh of 12 kids (and the youngest and most dashing of The Singing Bells), Joe’s stories told of hard work at Less’ Farm, sledding down Crazy Hill in Leetonia and talking German with his mom, Elsie. Four years in the US Navy as an avionics electrician included traveling to Spain, adopting a fellow seaman they renamed Schmerdly Dinglehoffer Boohocker and acquiring a 50# bag of popcorn for movie night on a transport ship.

Joe was talented at telling stories and bad jokes, taking coffee drinking to a new level and befriending each person he met. Every one of his family and friends has cherished stories of his wit, his generosity and his kindness (If you’re reading this, you are sure to have several as well, right?).

A few of his more memorable words of wisdom and fun phrases:

*Don’t be good, just don’t get caught.

*Be bad; it’s more fun.

*Carry your own bucket.

*Why is everyone in the world an a**hole except you?

*Give him/her a wedgie for me.

*When asked if he needed anything, all he ever wanted were “a big bag of money, well wishes and a few kind words.”

*Forever the jokester, during the Peace Offering at mass, he’d often offer others a “Piece of Pizza,” a “Piece of My Mind” or a “Piece of Pie.”

A mass will be held this Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 935 E. State Street, Salem, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency, 11836 South Avenue Ext., Box 35, North Lima, Ohio 44452, (330) 533-6772 (that, or take a friend to breakfast). As Joe would quote Frank Burns, “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.”

He will be deeply missed every single day.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph P. Bell Sr., please visit our floral store.