FALMOUTH and BREWER – Gerald “Joe” William Bell Sr., 85, of Falmouth, passed away peacefully April 23, 2011, surrounded by his immediate family. He was born Sept. 15, 1925, in Veazie, son of George S and Ethel May Bell.
Gerald graduated from Bangor High School and was a member of the Class of 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army; completed his basic training in Biloxi, Miss., with advanced radar training in Boca Raton, Fla., and served in World War II. After his discharge from the Army, Gerald worked for Maine Central Railroad before being recalled to service in the Korean War. He was stationed at Grenier Army Air Field, Manchester, N.H., returning to Dow Air Force Base, Bangor, where he was a member of the Air National Guard. Upon discharge, he had achieved the rank of master sergeant. After his service, he was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1952 Gerald joined Metropolitan Insurance Co., first as an agent and then as a manager, leaving in 1966 to open an antiques, auction and appraisal business in Brewer. He and his wife, Norma, ran a successful business in Brewer for more than 30 years. In 1995 Gerald and Norma moved to Falmouth and continued in the antique and auction business with their son, Gerald W. Bell Jr. Gerald and his son worked together for more than 40 years traveling extensively throughout the Northeast, Florida and California buying antiques and collectibles. Gerald was married to Norma Diana Taylor, Nov. 30, 1946, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Norma and he will be missed by those he leaves behind: his daughter, Betty Jean Brennan and husband, Eric, of Newburyport, Mass.; his son, Gerald W. Bell Jr. and wife, Tannia, of Falmouth; his five grandchildren, Kristine Reilly of Stamford, Conn., Thomas Brennan and Meghan Licata, both of Los Angeles, Kaitlynn Porterfield of Pittsburgh and Brittany Bell of Falmouth; and his two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Fiona Reilly. Gerald was predeceased by his siblings, Arthur, George R., Hartley, Alvena, Virginia and Audrey. His family would like to thank all of the professional staff at Beacon Hospice for their wonderful kindness and care.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Ohio Street, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lighthouse Hospice Foundation, care of Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.