Richard "Dick" Bell

Richard "Dick" Boyer Bell, 90, of Hancock, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on February 2, 2022 after a period of failing health. He was born on October 5, 1931 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second of seven children of Ellis Clifton and Margaret Pearl (Brazil) Bell. He grew up in Oxford, Massachusetts, vividly remembering the Hurricane of '38 that destroyed the family farm and forever changed their lives. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1949. After two years at UMass, Amherst, Dick answered the call to duty during the Korean Conflict and enlisted in the US Air Force, completing four years of active duty with postings stateside, France, and Germany and four years in the reserves. His technical training in the military led him to IBM, in the days of tabulators and punch cards, from which he retired in 1991 as a systems engineer after a career of 35 years. He always liked to be behind the wheel, and that served him well in his retirement career for the 10 years he drove school bus for STA in the ConVal district.

Dick had a gift for construction and engineering, and he applied those talents throughout his life, whether remodeling his homes or serving on committees with the town of Hancock or the Property Committee of the First Congregational Church, UCC. He also held an amateur radio license, getting his start back in the days of CB radio. Dick was a good man with a big heart who always wanted the best for his family.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, older brother Clif, infant sister Margaret, brother-in-law Robert Bellville, and former wife Ann Bell Ricci. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Roberta Bell; children Richard B. Bell (Jodi McNamara), Russell M. Bell (Laura), Karen Bell Kinnaly (Edward); grandsons Russell Carl Doucet and Miles Truman Doucet; siblings Barbara Bellville, Stuart Bell (Terry Grogan), Norman Bell (Judith), George Bell (Jackie); several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Richard Ricci.

Having been raised on a farm, Dick knew the value of hard work and enjoyed the bounty of home-grown, put-by, and farm-raised produce and protein. To honor his memory, please consider planting a fruit tree, growing a garden, or supporting your local farmers.

Cremation has taken place. An informal celebration of Dick's life will be announced at a later date. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Norway Plain Cemetery in Hancock. Sailing Long Island Sound and coastal Massachusetts and hiking New Hampshire's 4,000 footers were treasured pastimes that will be recognized in warmer weather.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staffs of both Monadnock Community Hospital and Pheasant Wood Center. Your loving care and compassion were much appreciated.