Robert Bell, Sr.

Mr. Robert William Bell Sr., 87, of Bartonsville,   died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Mr. Bell was the husband of Rosa Mae Guariglia Bell. Married on Nov. 21, 1951, they were together more than 66 years.  Born on Oct. 30, 1930, in New Market, Mr. Bell was the son of the late Virginia Edna Yeager Bell and the late George Washington “John” Bell.
Mr. Bell was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served on the front lines in the Korean War with the 7th Infantry Division, earning a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.
Honorably discharged in 1952, he returned to Frederick where he and his wife lived until his death.
He began a career as a federal employee which spanned several decades, retiring in 1988. At Fort Detrick he worked as a bombardier in the infamous 8 Ball Building; worked in decontamination; and worked as a fixed heavy equipment operator. Following the RIF (reduction in force) in 1972, he worked as a water treatment plant operator at the NIH Poolesville Animal Facility until his retirement.
Mr. Bell enjoyed his work, both paid and unpaid and was always busy and generous with his time and skills.
He loved to garden and the family had a beautiful yard with many flower beds. For many, many years he planted and meticulously tended a large and plentiful vegetable garden, canning the produce, and baking loaves and loaves of zucchini bread each summer. Another love of his life was mowing on his John Deere tractor. He was never happier than on a mower or rototilling the soil. When he could be found sitting still, he was usually reading the paper or watching the news or weather. He kept current with politics and world events. He also enjoyed watching cowboy movies and professional wrestling on TV, or just sitting on the porch with family and friends stopping by to visit.
An exacting carpenter, Mr. Bell worked on many local housing projects for neighbors and family members. A perfectionist at heart, his work was always as strong as his kind heart and generous nature.
He loved making big pots of soup and sharing quarts with family and friends. Macaroni salad by the gallon was another favorite.  His all-time favorite restaurant was the Olive Garden and he never failed to order Seafood Alfredo.
His three grandchildren were a big part of his retirement years and getting them on an off the school bus was a devoted duty. “Topping the hill” was a cry heard every school morning as they hurried to the end of the drive; and they could always count on him to be there waiting for them at the end of the school day when they got off that bus. He attended every birthday party, band and chorus concert, dance recital, basketball game and martial arts tournament, girl scout event and awards ceremony. He loved his children and grandchildren very much.
Mr. Bell attended Mount Carmel United Methodist Church faithfully for many years, serving as an usher. He was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Bell is survived by his son, Robert William Bell Jr., and his wife Brenda, of Bartonsville; his daughter, Teresa L. Bell-Stockman, and her husband Michael Stockman, also of Bartonsville; grandchildren: Derek Joseph Bell, of  Bartonsville; Dr. Sara Lynn Stockman and Emily Kate Stockman, both of Baltimore City; brother-in-law Rocco Guariglia Jr and his wife Betty, of Bartonsville; and sister-in-law Helga Braun “Nicky” Guariglia, of Frederick; and many numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; extended family and friends.
Mr. Bell was predeceased by a sister, Betty Mae Bell Lidie, and her husband Thomas Lidie; brothers-in-law: Oliver and his wife Gussie “Kitty,” Mitchell, Rudolph and Angelo Guariglia; sisters-in-law Romelda Lawson and her husband Perry, Adeline Cramer and her husband Charles; and Angelina Lawson and her husband Frank.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are: grandchildren, Sara and Emily Stockman and Derek Bell; nephews Charles and Michael Wayne Lawson; and great-nephew Matthew Lashbaugh.
Interment with military honors will immediately follow the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Highway (U.S. 15 North), Frederick.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bell's honor to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of  Frederick County.