I have 3 brothers, but Joe is my Big Brother. That is how I always refer to him.
He was always there for me growing up.

A Tribute to Jose Bella, Part II

Through highs and lows, we shared life as family, watching our kids grow up together. When Jeana and Jose made the move they had dreamed of for years—back to Texas, the place Jose had spoken of so fondly—it was bittersweet. We were thrilled for them, but sad, knowing our families would again live apart after we had moved to Washington, D.C. Despite the miles, our friendship never wavered, a testament to the love, loyalty, and caring nature that defined Jose and Jeana.

Jose once told me that his life truly began when he met Jeana. He was one of the most honorable, hardworking, and caring people I have ever met. His love and commitment to family, his devotion to his wife, and yes—even his unwavering loyalty to the Dallas Cowboys—were unmatched.

But it was his strength, will, and determination in the face of incredible adversity that taught me and my family lessons we will carry for life. Jose’s fight was fueled by his love for his family, his desire to be there for them, and his need to provide safety and direction.

Jose had a zest for life that was unmatched. This world was better with him in it, and I will miss my friend every single day. But Jose’s love is not gone—it has simply changed form. He now lives woven into every memory of those lucky enough to have been part of his journey: every story told, every heart touched, every meal shared, every laugh enjoyed, and every battle fought.

In my life, I have rarely met a man like Jose Bella—and that’s because men like him are rare. I am deeply sad today, but I will celebrate his life, because that’s what he would have wanted. It’s what I owe him for all he gave to us.

For those reading this, know that this is only a small chapter in the novel of our life with Jose. We will miss you every day, Jose, but we will never forget you.

With love,
Your friends and family,
The Lionhoods

A Tribute to Jose Bella, Part I

We met the Bellas nearly 20 years ago when Jeana walked into my office for an interview at a local bank in Jacksonville, Florida, pregnant with their daughter, Shylee. It was a growing family looking for a new beginning, and I was a new bank manager at a new company looking for much the same.

It wasn’t long before Jose came into the picture. I quickly learned that Jeana and Jose were inseparable. I often heard their stories—how they met, their time overseas, and the way they faced the world head-on together.

Always looking for ways to connect with customers, we started a Friday BBQ—hot dogs and popcorn out in the parking lot, a kind of never-ending grand opening. We needed someone to cook, and Jose stepped up. Though not a bank employee, he showed up every cookout day, fired up the grill, and served the food. It was like he was part of the team.

Jose would chat with customers in the lobby, sometimes for over an hour, with people completely engaged in whatever story he was telling. He had done a little of everything—sports, cars, travel, cooking, gardening, the military—and there was no limit to where a conversation with him could go.

Over the years, we spent countless hours talking about all of it. When my career took me to Boston, it was the Bellas we spent our last night with in Jacksonville. It was the Bellas we stayed in weekly contact with. And it was the Bellas we reached out to when I found an opportunity that might be right for them. Before long, Jeana and Jose moved to Boston, and we were working together again.

OBITUARY

Jose Enrique Bella

November 29, 1964 – July 29, 2025

Katy Funeral Home

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