Richard J. Bell of Apalachin

Richard J. Bell “Dick”, 89, of Apalachin, NY passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025 into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Richard was predeceased by his parents Arthur & Lucy Bell. His sister Emily Howland, & his loving wife, Rosalie “Rose” (McLain) Bell of Apalachin. He is survived by his three sons: Rick (Diane Snyder), Ron (Stacy), & Rev. Rex A. (Nicole) Bell. Step-children: Annette (John Fentress) & Raymond (Kathleen) Willard. His 17 grandchildren: Hailey (JJ Besse), & Kayla Bell, Joshua (Marissa), Molly, Hayden (Kristin), Nathan (Izzy), & Jackson (Candis) Bell, Andrew (Kayla), Matthew (Cassie), & Miley Laubach, Niccole, Danielle, & John T. (Fentress), Rachel (Willard), Dawson K., Liam J., & Audrey “Rose” Bell, and several great-grandchildren. His nieces Debbie & Brenda, several cousins, and many life-long friends. Richard was a life-long resident of Apalachin on the family homestead. He served in the United States Army Reserves and the National Guard of New York State. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories that made people smile. He loved the NY Yankees, being outdoors, operating tractors, heavy equipment, deer hunting with family, and most of all he loved his grandchildren. He was a self-employed contractor, entrepreneur, & owner of Bell’s Gravel Pit. He was a life-long member of the Nazarene & Free Methodist Churches. A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home in Apalachin. Family will receive friends from11am until the time of the service. His son, Pastor Rex Bell of Two Rivers Church will be officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Riverside Cemetery in Apalachin.