Richard Andrew Bell

Richard Andrew Bell, 78, died on May 2, 2015 at his home in Glastonbury, CT after a brave battle with leukemia. Born in Hartford on December 15, 1936 and raised in Wethersfield, the son of Rocco and Mary (Francoline) Bell, he was a lifelong resident of Connecticut. He leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Ellen (Mislick) Bell, his daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Sammarco and her husband Domenic of New Canaan, his sons, Jeffrey Bell and his wife Joan of Broomfield Colorado, and David Bell and his wife Lety of Hebron. He also leaves behind six grandchildren (who affectionately call him ""Buddy""), Andrew and Jenna Bell, John and Matthew Sammarco, and Mia and Sophia Bell. Richard grew up in a large and close family. He leaves behind his two brothers Joseph Bell and his wife Jean of Wethersfield, Roy Bell and his wife Ruth of Manchester, his five sisters, Frances Dunn and her husband Richard of Wethersfield, June Bordieri of Wethersfield, Beverly Corraccio of Wethersfield, Donna Crossman and her husband Joe of Wethersfield, and Andrea Mazzola and her husband Charles of Wethersfield. He also leaves brother-in-law and sister-in-law William and Loretta Mislick of Glastonbury. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law Joseph Formica and Jack Bordieri of Wethersfield, and Patsy Corraccio of Hartford. He also leaves dozens of adoring nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Richard attended Wethersfield High School where he was the goalie for the state champion soccer team and then graduated from the University of Hartford where he met his life-long love, Ellen. Richard started his business career in 1960 at Kaman Aerospace. In 1968 he transferred to the Ovation Instruments Division and helped launch the revolutionary Ovation Roundback guitar. After serving as National Sales Manager for Ovation, he then took a position with Roland Corporation where he remained for 29 years until his retirement at age 72. Over his many years in the music industry, ""Richie"" or ""Dick"" as he was known in the industry, had a passion for taking care of his customers and earned the respect of his peers. He will be remembered as a legend in the industry. Richard loved the game of golf and was a long time dedicated member of Wethersfield Country Club where he served as president during the years 1999 and 2000. He spent several golf seasons with a single digit handicap and hit that elusive hole-in-one at Wethersfield's 13th hole on 04/21/1996. His power and skill at the tee box earned him the nickname ""Boomer"". Richard will be known for his incredible devotion to his family and friends, his generosity, and his endless sense of humor. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. The burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you send donations to the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (www.LLS.org) at: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society / 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310 / White Plains, NY 10605. To share a memory of Richie with the family please visit www.desopo.com