Robert L. Bell passed away at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, on January 15, 2009. He was 89 years of age. Robert was raised in Everett, graduated from Everett High School, where he lettered in football, was the class president and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for football. After high school he went to Bridgton Academy in Maine, he continued playing football at the academy and was inducted into Bridgton Academy's Hall of Fame for football. Robert continued his connection with Bridgton Academy serving as a trustee for 15 years. Mr. Bell graduated from Bowdoin College and then entered WWII. He served in the US Navy as a naval officer in the Pacific Theater for 4 years. He lived in Melrose for over 25 years and Sarasota, Florida for 20 years. Bob owned 6 greeting card stores for 20 years; including Bell Card Shop in Melrose. He later became a book publisher and owned Crescendo Publishing Company in Boston for 25 years. He enjoyed playing tennis well into his 80's, poker and backgammon. Mr. Bell liked the theater, swing dancing and was a longtime member of Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose.
Husband of Rose E. (Hogan) Bell. Father of Marlene T. Bell of Osterville, Robert L. Bell Jr. & his wife Jean of Melrose, Stephen J. Bell & his wife Rosemary of Wayland and Christine C. Bell & her husband Robert Means of Melrose. Brother of the Late Joseph & William Bell, Olive Tobin and Ethel Brownlie. Grandfather of Dawn, Jennifer, Rebecca, Nathan, Stephen Jr., Michael, Stephanie, Michaela, Alistair-Ian and the late Scott Andre. Also survived by 4 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Wed. Jan. 21st at 9AM. Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield, at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Tues. 4-7PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Aphasia Association 350 7th Ave., New York, NY 10001, www.aphasia.org