CARIBOU – Wilfred J. Bell, 84, former state representative, civic leader and well known area grocer, died unexpectedly Dec. 23, 2011, in Bangor. He was born July 27, 1927, in Caribou, son of the late Henry and Lucie (Hebert) Bell.
He was a graduate of Caribou High School and he married Cecile Martin, June 9, 1950. Will began a long career in the grocery business when he took a job at the local A&P, he then became the manager of Red and White and then he was the store manager for Paradis IGA for many years. During his long grocery career, Will received many awards and won numerous national grocery contests. He began a long and distinguished career in public service when he was elected to Caribou City Council. He served on the council for many years and served as mayor several times. In the 1960s, he served on the original charter commission for the city. He was elected to 114th and 115th Maine State Legislature, House District 147, where he served on many committees. Mr. Bell was always very proud of his 100 percent attendance and voting record while serving in the House. He was presented the Outstanding Constituent Award by Secretary of State William Diamond in 1989. He was a life member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters where he served as chief ranger. Will was a charter member of Caribou Kiwanis Club, serving as club president as well as lieutenant governor, New England District and many will remember his antics as the “Keystone Kops Judge.” Mr. Bell was honored as Caribou Citizen of the Year in 1967 and 1984, The Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, The High Court Catholic Order of Foresters Legion of Honor Award, as well as Forester of the Year Award. Will had served as the Aroostook County treasurer for a number of years and was the president of Maine State County Treasures Association. For more than 47 years, he also was the area sales representative for Newton Manufacturing Co.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of more than 61 years, Cecile of Caribou, are his children, David Bell and wife, Cathy, of Jacksonville, Fla., Bonnie Bell and special friend, Kerry Leavitt, of Anaheim, Calif., Donna Halacy and husband, Michael, of Susso Lt., Va., Brian Bell of Caribou, Douglas Bell and wife, Becky, of Caribou, Karen Valenti of Niceville, Fla., and Paula Levasseur and fiance, Eric Hale, of Caribou; one brother, Gilbert Bell and wife, Maxine, of Caribou; two sisters, Cecile Cammilleri and husband, Leo, of Enfield, Conn., and Mary Michaud of Meriden, Conn.; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Mr. Bell was predeceased by a half sister and husband, Margaret and Paul Squirrel.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will be at Old Holy Rosary Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Bell may do so though Holy Rosary Catholic Church Memorial Fund.
www.mocklerfuneralhome.com