After a short illness, and only after watching the Patriot’s defeat the Browns with his son (and best friend) Brian Bell, Raymond Warren Bell departed this earth for Heaven on October 26, 2025.
A life-long New England resident, Ray was born on August 1, 1937, in Framingham, MA.
He was educated in Maine and Massachusetts, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. While Ray was a talented athlete in sports such as track and football, art was his first and greatest enthusiasm. His early talent in art was honed in special programs, leading to a decades-long career in airbrush artistry, print advertising, marketing, and sales.
Ray loved Jesus, his family, the great outdoors, holiday celebrations, the New England Patriots, honoring his Scottish heritage, and always having fun. His positive spirit observed the beliefs that both ‘time in the wilderness’ and Papa Gino’s pizza were medicinal. He loved and memorized Psalm 91. He read it and spoke it often, knowing we need divine protection from what we can see and what we cannot.
He was incredibly creative, loved comedically speaking with accents, and was a talented singer. Whether he would worship and hit the low-low notes, write his own silly songs for the family, or harmonize to jingles on car rides, he always had a tune, and he always brought a smile. He loved giving the “Address to a Haggis” at a Robert Burns night in his Scottish brogue just as much as he loved airbrushing watermelons instead of pumpkins in the fall and building the loch ness monster in the winter instead of snowmen for his kids. Ray always brought big energy to every situation. To the same extent, he gave grace. He celebrated your small victories, forgave quickly, and really wanted you to win. May he be remembered that way, as the man who prayed for you, clapped the loudest for your triumphs, and encouraged you to get back up and fight when you’d been knocked down.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Bell and Hazel (Kierstead) Bell, and his sister Vivian (Bell) Reska. Forever in our hearts, he is survived by: his best friend and son, Brian Bell, daughter Laurie Bernard and devoted son-in-law, Jonathan, who he loved like a son; his grandchildren, Matilyn, Kaitlyn and Joseph Bernard; son Scott Bell, son Richard Bell, daughter Patricia (Bell) Gettman, extended family and countless friends he made along the way – including his most recent pal and roomie for a few weeks, Bob, who offered profound understanding and friendship in the most trying of times.
A private remembrance will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please encourage others, and give grace. We would be honored if he inspired you to look on the bright side.
Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
