DRACUT – Peter E. Bell, 76, a resident of Dracut, died Friday May 18th at home while surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Matthews) Bell with whom he celebrated their 45th anniversary on May 5th.
Mr. Bell was born in Methuen on July 26, 1930, the son of the late Peter and Edna (Tamulonis) Bell. He was educated in Methuen schools and graduated from Methuen High School in 1949. He also attended Merrimack College.
Mr. Bell served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Avco in Lawrence and Wilmington as a records administrator for thirty years until his retirement in 1986. He then worked at Central Savings Bank in the Purchasing Department for three years until his retirement in 1991.
Mr. Bell was a member of St. Francis Church in Dracut. He was an avid photographer from the age of ten. He was the photographer for “The Photographic History of Dracut, Massachusetts.” He also enjoyed spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters Janet A. Bell of Dracut and Judi A. Shepard and her husband Philip of Swanzey, NH; three grandchildren Justin Thibault and Jared Thibault both of Dracut and Alexis Shepard of Swanzey, NH; a great grandson Tai Thibault of Dracut; many members of the Matthews family; and his good friend Andrew Melnicki of Methuen.
Friends may call at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave, Dracut on Sunday from 2 until 6 PM. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday at 10AM followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11AM in St. Francis Church, Dracut. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny New York, C/O Sister Cindy Matthews OSF, 64 Rittenhouse Terrace, Springfield, MA 01108 or to VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell, 336 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01853.