Walter R Bell

Walter R. Bell passed peacefully into the next life on September 30th, surrounded by his family. Walter was born in New Rochelle on April 3, 1917, graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1935 and started his career in the New Rochelle fire service in August of 1940. After returning home from World War II where he served as an Air Force pilot, reaching the rank of Captain, he resumed his duties with the New Rochelle Fire Department. In November 1958, he was honored with a Class A Citation for the rescuing a family from a burning building, after which he became the Department's Fire Chief in July of 1959. He then served for 20 years as the Fire Commissioner, from which position he retired in 1979.

His extensive career in community service included outstanding service and leadership awards from the following New Rochelle organizations: Boy Scouts of America; Masonic Lodge #1033; Chamber of Commerce; Lions Club; United Way; Knights of Columbus #339; American Legion Post #8; and the YMCA.

In addition to his professional career with the New Rochelle Fire Department, he received a gubernational appointment to the NYS Fire Advisory Board; was a member of the Larchmont Volunteer F.D., NYS Assn. of Fire Chiefs; Salvation Army; New Rochelle Day Nursery; Meals on Wheels Delivery Team; Larchmont Avenue Presbyterian Church; and the Rotary Club.

After 85 years in New Rochelle, Walter moved with his wife, to Saratoga Springs to be near family. His wife of 67 years, Florence Miller Bell, predeceased him, as did his eldest daughter, Barbara Bell Pickett and son-in-law, Robert W. Wanninger. Surviving family include: Joan (Howie Bashant) Arons, Richard (Monica) Bell; Wendy Bell Wanninger; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-children.

Arrangements by George T. Davis Funeral Home, 14 Le Count Place, New Rochelle, New York, held on Friday, October 5, from 2-4 and 7-9. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with interment immediately following at Beechwood Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Saratoga Hospital, and the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga County for their loving care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to :

Walter R. Bell Scholarship Fund

NBT Bank of East Greenbush

Attn: Shannon Devane

425 Columbia Turnpike

East Greenbush, NY 12144