Franklin Earl Bell (Frank) died peacefully surrounded by family on March 7th, 2024 in Orlando, Fl.
Frank is survived by his wife Maureen, his children, John, Kristen and Caroline, their spouses Michele (John) and Trey (Kristen) and his grandchildren John Michael, James, Becca, Christian and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents Franklyn and Rita Bell and sister Mary Adaire Scott.
Frank was born in Florence, Alabama on March 2, 1938 and moved frequently in his younger years following his father's work with the TVA. Frank's family settled in Beverly, Massachusetts when he was in the third grade. This is where he would meet his wife of 62 years, Maureen.
Frank graduated from Dartmouth college in 1960 with a BA in economics, during which time he was commissioned into the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served his country in active duty at the Pentagon for 2 years. At the end of Frank's active duty, he returned to Dartmouth where he received his MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business in 1963, while continuing in the Army Reserves.
Frank started his career in New York City with Colgate International and later Scott Paper Company. In subsequent career moves he worked as a manufacturer's representative in Ft. Wayne, IN, Burlington, NC and then in Raleigh, NC where he opened Raleigh-Durham Rubber and Gasket. The later part of Frank's career was focused on management recruiting and diverse international initiatives through his company Bell Associates International. Frank remained in the US Army Reserves as a Lt. Colonel until retirement, receiving the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1987/88 respectively.
In his retirement, Frank loved meeting people, travel, history, music, trains and took a great interest in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He was active in Raleigh chapter of the Sons of Norway, as well as a prayer group at Our Lady of Lourdes. Frank and Maureen relocated to Orlando, FL in the fall of 2023 to be closer to family.
Frank was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
A funeral mass will be held for Frank at St Margaret Mary's Catholic church in Winter park, FL on March 26th at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's children's Hospital.
https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/faq/how-can-i-donate-to-st-jude.html