John M. Bell Jr.

John M. Bell Jr. of Washington PA died at home on October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. 

John was born in Claysville PA, the son of the late John M. Bell Sr. and Barbara Gail (Reed) Bell. He graduated from Washington High School and Allegheny County Police Academy. John served for six years in the US Army as a Specialist who maintained helicopter armaments in both Georgia and Germany. As a police officer, John worked for both the City of Washington and Washington and Jefferson College, with a combined service of 41 years. 

John was a devoted family man and consummate goofball. His favorite pastimes were teaching everyone not to take life too seriously and finding other people’s problems to help solve. He was a collector of things: tools, objects, stories, and anything else that could be useful to someone in need. John’s subtle sense of humor is an inheritance he passed on to many of his children and grandchildren, along with hundreds of tiny dried beef jars. He was quick with a joke but even quicker with a helping hand. John extended generosity to anyone who asked and many who did not. He excelled at fixing broken things, tinkering, and (as he put it) “piddling around”. His family (especially his sons and grandsons) obliged him by breaking many things for him to mend. He delighted in blowing bubbles, exchanging little notes with his daughter, whistling, listening to music, playing with his grandchildren (occasionally tormenting and embarrassing them in the most loving way), and relentlessly teasing his wife.

 Aside from family and close friends, John preferred the company of most animals - telling any dogs he met that he remembered being a dog in a previous life and singing to the birds, squirrels, deer, and any other animals that happened by when he’d make his morning rounds to feed the backyard critters. He was a friend to exactly one pigeon and tolerated the rest. He often drove out of his way to pass by farms with mules or turkeys, whom he could compare to his sons. Like the animals he was so good at caring for, he preferred to spend his time outdoors, where he could name every tree and bird (or at least fake it so well no one could call him on it) and appreciate every beautiful sunset.

 John is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Theresa (Halapy) Bell, and their plethora of children and grandchildren: five sons and their spouses - Eric, Patrick (Sara), Brian (Dana), Christopher (Angela), Andrew (Sarah); his favorite, daughter Sara; his grandchildren (in descending order of height, a fittingly unconventional standard for Pap’s kids) Jonathan, Jack, Alexis, Piper, Kaitlyn, Morgandy, Lily, Logan, Adler, Orion, Josie, Arlo, Juniper, Auggie, Meira, and Sully; and one grandpup, Murray. Along with his immediate family, John is survived by his extended family and many dear friends. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kapoor and all the staff at Hillman Cancer Center for the attentive care and support throughout his illness. 

John will have a private burial service with his immediate family. A celebration of life will take place at W&J’s Cameron Stadium in the Hall of Fame room, 35 Park Ave. Washington PA 15301 on November 2, 2025 from 12PM to 4PM. Casual attire is preferred.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John’s honor to the Three Rivers Region Special Olympics or to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Please keep John’s memory alive by slowing down, watching the sunset, and blowing bubbles with your loved ones.