Richard Allen Bell

It is with great sadness that Richard Allen Bell, 57, of Fort Myers, Fl, passed away on November 13, 2019, from a five year battle with cancer.

He was born on November 11, 1962 in Steubenville, Ohio. Richard was an electrician and worked at PI Electric and Walmart. He served in the US Navy and during his service received a Sea Service Deployment ribbon. While serving, he enjoyed touring many different countries and cultures. Richard was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, and, of course, he loved our Buckeyes.

Preceding Richard in death were his mother, Beverly Pickford-Bell; father Bill “Bo’ Bell; sister Penny Bell-DeFranco; brother Will Bell and beloved dog Lexie.

Richard is survived by his loving sister Pam Bell-Williams and her devoted husband Jim Williams, of Lake Arrowhead, CA;  his sister Penny’s oldest daughter, Beverly Jean DeFranco (Daniel) Brown and their children Samson & Sarah, all of Grandview, MO; Penny’s youngest daughter, Nicole Allen DeFranco and her daughter, Little Penny Thomas, both of Boulder, CO. Penny’s daughters and their families were so caring and tender during Richard’s fight. Also surviving are his uncles, Wayne (Norma Jean) Pickford of Mingo, Larry (Rosie) Pickford of Wintersville & Bill (Debbie) Pickford of Steubenville. Uncle Bill made Richard laugh the hardest and Melissa Davidson (Anthony) DeFrances, who was like a sister to Richard.

Many other aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and many friends from Ohio and Florida also survive.

Richard went down swinging and felt lots of love from all of the above.

In addition, also surviving are Will’s son, Bill Bell III and Aubrey of Lisbon, Ohio; Billy (Erin) Haines; Lynn (Bill) Haines and Joey LaPenna all of Wintersville.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Tuesday 4-7 p.m. at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville. Services there 11 a.m. Wednesday with Rev. Jeff Proya officiating. Burial at Fort Steuben.

We will also acknowledge Willie during this time, as his services were held in Fort Myers.

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