Richard J. Bell
Richard J. Bell, 71, of (New Liberty) RD Philipsburg, died Friday, March 15, 2019, at his residence.
Richard was born on February 10, 1948, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Richard E. and Ruth C. (Cunningham) Bell.
He was married on September 27, 1966, in Philipsburg, to the former Linda M. Patrick, who survives at home.
He served with the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War era.
Richard was a welder by trade throughout his working career. He was employed for 12 years with the former Penn Coal Co., Inc. / Thompson Bros. Coal Co.; first as a welder and then as a foreman. He then accepted a welding position with HRI, Inc., State College. Following his time with HRI, he accepted a position with the Pa Department of Corrections as a welding trade instructor at S.C.I. Rockview and Houtzdale. Richard retired from full-time employment in 2008; and was employed as a part-time custodian with the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District.
Richard was very active with his church, the First Baptist Church of Philipsburg. He had volunteered countless hours and held various offices including: Trustee, Deacon and Family Fellowship Committee Chairman. Richard was very patriotic and an active member of some local veteran’s organizations including: VFW Post #5020, Osceola Mills; Marine Corps League, Detachment #289, DuBois; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #974, Clearfield; American Legion, Freeberg Post #591, Houtzdale; and a previous member of the VFW, Post #3450, Philipsburg.
Richard was known to be a bit of a “workaholic,” even at home. He was always busy spending time working around the house or tending to his garden. Come harvest time, he and Linda would be busy canning tomatoes and vegetables from the garden and making their own sauerkraut. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.
Richard is survived by his wife, Linda; one son, Richard Kevin Bell and his companion, Debra Lee Fowler, of Chester Hill; three brothers: Robert E. Bell and his wife, Lettie, of Flinton, Thomas L. Bell and his wife, Mary Ann, of Gearhartville, RD Philipsburg and Timothy L. Bell and his wife, Kelly, of Asheville, North Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by one infant son, Michael K. Bell; one sister, Diane L. Watson; and one brother, Charles W. Bell, in addition to his parents.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 11 am, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Rev. Ted G. Seibert, officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 4 to 8 pm; and on Wednesday, from 10 am until the time of the funeral service.
Interment will be at Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the First Baptist Church, 214 E. Beaver Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866 or the SPCA, 275 21st. Street, Clearfield, Pa 16830.
