Theodore Bell


CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. - Theodore Reynolds Bell, 61, passed away at Albany Medical Center with his beloved wife Kelly by his side on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, after being stricken at home with a hemorrhagic stroke on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11.

Ted was born on Dec. 27, 1947, at the Cambridge Mary McClellan Hospital, the third child of his parents, Andrew and Dorothy Reynolds Bell of Cambridge, N.Y.

Ted grew up in Center Cambridge on Glenridge Farm, the family homestead, at the end of Bell Lane. He graduated from Cambridge Central School as a member of the Class of 1966, and then attended and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston.

Ted, a 30 year member of the 109th Stratton Air Guard based in Schenectady, was a skilled navigator for his unit's C-130's, the big cargo planes whose mission was to fly supplies and military personnel to sites in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic. Ted achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a proud patriot who loved traveling the world while serving his country.

It was only one year ago that Ted, a Tax Processing Manager, retired from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance in Albany after a 30-year tenure. He was enjoying what he assumed would be a long and much deserved retirement. In July, Ted and Kelly traveled to France to attend and participate in the wedding of son Aaron and his bride, Annelise. They had a wonderful time.

Ted cherished being a member of a large family. He had many plans for the future; one project was the creation of hand-carved walking sticks. He enjoyed all aspects of nature, feeding the birds, deer hunting, taking walks and playing basketball. Each spring Ted planned for the planting of a large and prolific vegetable garden on his property. He loved being at home and working on his land.

A loyal member of the Cambridge Marching Band, Ted, a player of the unique double-bell euphonium, had a collection of many brass instruments. His friends and family were always aware of Ted's status as a diehard fan of his Boston Red Sox, Celtics and the New England Patriots. Coaching his sons' youth soccer teams brought great joy to Ted.

In addition to his wife Kelly, Ted leaves behind his six much loved children and their families: twins, Andrew Bell of Cambridge, and Aaron (Annelise) Bell of La Baume de Transit, France, Edward (Lindsay Havlicek) Bell of Saratoga, Alexandria (Scott Haury) Dunham of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Rebecca (Kevin Nolan) Dunham of Bennington, Vt., and Michael Maloney of New York City. "Papa" is also survived by his six grandchildren whom he adored: Zachary Dunham, Chad and Chelsy Haury, Jacquelyn Dunham, Cian and Samantha Nolan.

One of nine children, Ted Bell is survived by his caring brothers and sisters and their families: Alan Bell of Cambridge, Sylvia (Tom) Parsley of Binghamton, Bruce (Beth) Bell of Cambridge, Peter (Valerie) Bell of Cambridge, Robert (Josephine) Bell of Big Island, Va., Dr. James (Karen) Bell of Rancho Mirage, Calif., Philip (Molly) Bell of Cambridge and Virginia (Dominic) D'Andrea of Schuylerville.

Aunt Helen Reynolds Rea and several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive Ted.

Ted leaves behind Doak, his doting Bassett hound and Mo, one more cat who adopted him. Upon his death Ted became an organ donor.

Ted Bell will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Calling hours for friends and family will be held at the Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, at 73 West Main St. in Cambridge, on Friday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held for Ted at the Embury Methodist Church, at 41 East Main St., in Cambridge on Saturday, Jan, 17, at 1 p.m.

Ted will be buried with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville at a later date.

Those wishing to contribute to a memorial fund honoring the life of Theodore R. Bell may send their contributions to the Business Office at Cambridge Central School, Care of Carol Lyon, 58 South Park St., Cambridge, NY 12816.

 


Class of 1966      Red Rose List      Tributes Index
 

INDEX   Index of Classes Index of Personal Pages  Alumni Questionnaire   Former Students Directory  Former Students Questionnaire 
 Our Servicemen &Women Memorial Roses Tributes CCS Alumni Remembers
 History of Cambridge Schools  Cambridge Pictures  What Draws You Back To Cambridge  Search This Site  Links