Richard Bell - Obituary

ichard H. Bell, 88, a 30-year resident of Riva, MD and previously of Brentwood, MD, died on December 29, 2008 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center from natural causes. Born on May 31, 1920 in Washington, DC, he owned and operated Bluebird Driving School which has been in existence for 60 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1384 where he attained the level of 4th Degree Knight and was a former Chairman of the Annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive which raises money for handicapped youth. He was also a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the Annapolis Elks. He enjoyed his work, going on leisurely drives, traveling to his home in Melbourne, FL, boating and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, Clara M. Bell, whom he married in 1960; his children: Richard Bell of Arizona, Albert Scully and John Bell of College Park, MD, Bonnie Sakmar of Clarksburg, MD and Leslie Shippee of Purcellville, VA; one brother, George Bell of South Carolina; 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and James Bell. Friends are invited to Richard's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Friday, January 2, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD on Saturday, January 3 at 10 a.m. Interment Fort Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #1384, 2590 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 20137 and specify Tootsie Roll Campaign in the memo section. Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com