William R. Bell

William “Bill” Russell Bell, 78, of Sea Cliff, New York passed away in the presence of his loving family on January 27, 2023, after a year’s long struggle with heart disease. Born on June 8, 1944, in Pittsburgh PA, he is survived by his wife, Maureen, his sons Brendan (Jessica) and Kevin, and brothers Richard and James.

To his wife Maureen, of 51 years he was a dedicated and caring husband. A loving father, Bill adored spending time with his immediate and extended family, leading them on adventures, vacations, road trips, and providing a source of many fond memories. Bill was a mentor to his sons and their friends, coaching after school sports and Cub Scout activities, and teaching them just the right amount of mischief.

His many close friends knew Bill for his generosity and sense of humor. Always a gracious host to family and social gatherings, including his famous Super Bowl party where he served his renowned fish chowder for over 40 years.

Bill dedicated his five-decade long career to the service of numerous charitable and nonprofit organizations, including senior executive positions at the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, Booth Memorial Hospital (later NY Hospital Queens), the Central Park Conservancy, Long Beach Medical Center, the Southampton Fresh Air Home, Cabrini Mission Foundation, Planting Fields Arboretum, and others. After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1962, Bill moved to New York City at eighteen. Starting out with very little, he would eventually put himself through school, graduating from Queens College in 1978. In his earlier days, Bill was active in several political campaigns and advocacy issues in New York City.

In his spare time, he enjoyed sailing in Hempstead Harbor, and engaging with various mechanics to repair his series of classic cars.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM at the Whitting Funeral Home, 300 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head, NY 11545.

Services will be on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Martyr Church, 145 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff, NY 11579.

In lieu of flowers, we please ask to donate to Social Tees Animal Rescue, Bill loved animals having adopted nearly a dozen pets over his life.