Merrill " Bell" J. Bell, 81, Massena

A Celebration of Life with full Military Honors for Merrill " Bell" J. Bell, 81 of Grove St., Massena will be held Wednesday , August 3,2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena.

Family and friends are invited to call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be in the family plot in Louisville Community Cemetery, Louisville, NY. Bell passed away Friday July 29,2011 surrounded by family at the St. Regis Nursing Home, Massena where he had been a patient since July 19, 2011.

Surviving Merrill Bell J. Bell are his brother-in-law, Richard ( Helen) Finnie of Van Buren, AR; a sister-in-law, Mary Finnie of Ft. Smith, AR; four nieces, Samantha ( Richard ) Swingle, Betsy Williams both of Grand Junction, CO., Marcy ( Will ) Shores, Cathy ( Bud ) Porter both of Ft. Smith, AR. and cousins Michael Mittiga of Massena and Sharon Phillips of Jacksonville,NC.

Bell was born August 23,1929 in Massena, the son of Merrill A. and Edna A ( French) Bell. He received his schooling in Massena. Bell married Ann M. Finnie October 29,1953 at St. John's Episcopal Church by Rev. Charles Purcell. Ann preceded him in death April 6, 2010.

Following 42 years of employment at Alcoa in Plant # 140 as a Die Polisher Bell retired in 1990. Bell proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Bell was a 25 Year Club member of Alcoa, Life member of the VFW # 1143, Korean War Club # 284, American Legion Post # 79, B.P.O.E Elks Lodge # 1702, Life member of Disabled American Vets # 171, and Massena Moose Club. Massena Volunteer Fire Department Exempt member, Bell was the founding member and Past Chief of the Louisville Voluntary Fire Department. Bell also was involved in organizing the original Louisville Fire Department Racing team. There will be joint memorial service with Am Vets Post #, American Legion Post # 79 and the VFW # 1143 at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Bell was an active committeeman in the formation and development of the Veterans Memorial Park on Andrews St, Massena.

At the family's request memorials made be made to the DAV #171, c/o Armand Carrier,101 West Hatfield St, Massena N.Y.13662

Online condolences may be made to www.phillipsmemorial.com