Lawrence Martin Bell

Larry was a highly respected corporate attorney specializing in contract law and mergers and acquisitions, for over fifty years at Benesch, where he authored the 2010 Benesch Contract Drafting Style Manual. He was an adjunct professor of contract law at both Case Western Reserve University School of Law and Cleveland State University School of Law. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, received a BS in Business Administration at Miami University and a JD from CWRU School of Law, where he was first in his class in 1961, and number one on the Ohio State Bar that year.

Larry was a leader and philanthropist in the community. At the Jewish Federation of Cleveland he held numerous volunteer and leadership positions including chairman of the Community Relations Committee, chairman of the Attorneys Division of the Jewish Welfare Fund, and a Board member of Young Leadership Division, receiving the Marvin & Milton Kane Young Leadership Award. He chaired the Board of Siegal College. His commitment to the Cleveland community included board treasurer of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Inc., membership in the CWRU Society of Benchers and the Steering Committee of Leadership Cleveland.

Larry traveled the world with his wife, Nancy. Among the many destinations, highlights include chairing a Young Leadership Mission to Israel, traveling to the Soviet Union to meet with refuseniks, and a trip to China as the Benesch representative of TerraLex, an international group of law firms.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Wilkoff Bell, and his children, Jessica Semel (Alan), Elizabeth (Martin Elgison), Sarah (Dan Garrison) and Ari Spectorman (Anthony Ortiz). Cherished Bippy of Rebecca Semel, Kari Exler (Andrew) and Jamie Semel (fiancé Jake Rohlfs) and great-granddaughter Nora Exler. He is also survived by his brothers Bruce and Howard (Wanda) and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was a loyal friend and mentor to many. He left a lasting impression on all who met him. Gratitude to Home Instead and their extraordinary care givers.

A funeral service will be held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel at 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights at 11:00am on Friday, January 24th. To view this service, please navigate to the Services Section below and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”. Shiva will be observed following the service until 4:30 pm, Saturday from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 -5:00 pm at Four Seasons Apartment Party Room, Building 3, 26600 George Zeiger Drive, Beachwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Planned Parenthood or a charity of your choice.