Robert Bell

On the 10th of October in 1947 Heaven sent down to us one of the kindest souls God created, then he was called back to heaven on the 18th of August 2024. Robert Bell 76, of Ararat lived his life to the fullest and defined the word friendship.

Born in Philadelphia Pa, he was son to Whatley Bell and Louise Bell who he loved deeply. He attended Frankfort High School and then after graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country during Vietnam. He was stationed on the USS Rosevelt Aircraft Carrier where he worked very hard and made lifelong friends. Upon returning home from his service he married the love of his life, Lenora Bell (who we are sure was waiting for him Sunday at heavens gates). Together they built a beautiful life and had two children Robert Jr and Kristine, whom they couldn’t have been more proud of. When Lynn fell ill, Bob stayed by her side and care for her. When he lost his love Lynn, he gained a new companion, her pet, his beloved dachshund, Frankie. After serving his country Bob began driving truck throughout the country. He worked for KANE Trucking and then retired from New Century Trucking.

He loved to travel, but loved being home more. He lived simply and bought his home “BOB BELL PLACE” in the mountains of Ararat in the 1980s. There he had many gatherings, some may recall BELLFEST and all of the memories made. With that being said, on any given weekend you could find Bob with his best friends Duck, Joe Gilgot, Jerry, and Deb just to name a few, reminiscing about the past and making memories every chance they could.

Bob always had a project in the works but made sure not to ever leave anything unfinished, including that box of CHEEZE-ITS from 1990 he found in his cupboard a few years back. Frugal, that was our Bob. It seemed like Bob always had something up his sleeve, nonetheless he wouldn’t hesitate for a second to roll those sleeves up and lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Daily, Bob rolled those sleeves up at Arlo’s Tavern and Country store for his very dear friends Frank Freno and AJ Gallagher. Bob was their “go to” guy and he loved being a part of the family, little did he know, he was the heart of the family.

On his downtime, you would be able to catch Bob “holding down the bench” in front of Arlo’s store with his coffee in hand and a friend by his side. No matter who walked into that store, Bob always had a “How ya doin?” and a smile for them. If he wasn’t on the bench, he would be in the tavern surrounded by friends and making sure his girls, the bartenders locked up safe every night. Bob’s heart was huge, even bigger than his smile which is hard to believe because he “lit” up every room and everyone’s day.

If anyone in the community needed to borrow a tool, or just simply life advice, they would turn to Bob, because they knew he’d have the answer. Whenever there was a project that needed some expertise (or a party) on Kruichak Mountain, Bob was Vince and Barbs first call.

Bobs family was something he was most proud of. He spoke of Oz and Kris often, and he loved those grandkids . The one person who was the missing puzzle piece to Bobs life was his eldest grandson, Dylan. Dylan moved up to live with Bob a year ago, and the day he moved up, Bob’s eyes sparkled a little brighter. Bob had a lot of love for Dylan, a lot of tough love, but Bob was proud to call him his grandson. The last 125 days Bob’s health started heading south. It was not easy on him. Dylan was there with Bob every step of the way, when Dylan was at a loss of how to help, he called Bob’s best friend, Frank Freno. Many times in the middle of the night Frank would answer Dylans call, throw his shoes on and head to Bobs house to lend a helping hand, just as Bob had always done for him. Bob has been by Franks side for the last 25 years, there is undoubtedly a hole in Franks heart now.

Bob’s illness wasn’t only hard on him, but also everyone around him. No one could stand to see Bob sick or in pain and I know that’s not how he wants people to remember him. If he was here today he’d say “at this stage of the game, who cares?” or to some “who loves ya baby” and to everyone “get the kids, we’re leaving” so always talk of the good times, make more memories in his honor and , remember Bob for the man, father, husband and incredible force of nature he was.

Bob is no longer in pain. He is cancer free. He is happy. He is keeping a close eye on all of us, especially his favorite sidekick, “Frankie Bell”.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Louise Cornin, a brother, Ken Bell and a brother in law, Jeff Cornin, who was always a good friend and always by Bob’s side.

Viewing will be held Saturday, Aug. 24th from at 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main St., Forest City, followed by a military standoff at Arlo’s tavern at 2pm. All are welcome to attend.

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