SALEM – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Bell of Salem, a beloved family man and passionate fisherman, who left us on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Salem, Bob was a proud graduate from Salem High School as a member of the Class of 1962 , where he was known for his exceptional talent on the basketball court.

Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served overseas in Germany from 1962 to 1965. During his time in the Army, he continued to pursue his love for basketball and formed lifelong bonds with his fellow servicemen.

After his military service, Bob began a successful career as a truck driver, traveling the country as a member of Teamsters Local #25. He worked hard and found joy in the open road before eventually retiring. In his later years, Bob continued to serve his community, taking a position with the City of Salem's Parks Department and later working part-time for the Salem Council on Aging.

Bob was known throughout Salem for his larger-than-life personality and infectious smile. He had a rare gift for making friends everywhere he went, and once you met him, you were a friend for life — especially if you shared his love for fishing. He was the true definition by all means of a "Good Guy". Bob made people feel special, and his presence always lit up a room.

He will be dearly missed and forever cherished by his wife of 58 years, Gail (Cragan) Bell; his daughters, Kerri Rhodes and her husband, Michael of Beverly; Colleen Kolodziej and her husband, Richard of Peabody; and Kim Bell of Salem. He was a proud grandfather to Alexa and Michael Rhodes, Jessica and Meagan Lemelin, Kylie Kolodziej, Christian Montanez, and Alyssandra Bell, and a loving great-grandfather to Brielle, Ava, and Heavenly.

Bob's warmth, generosity, and enduring friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of Bobby's life will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. Donations may be made in his memory to the Friends of the Salem Council on Aging, Attn: Rosanna Donahue, 401 Bridge St., Salem, MA 01970 – Please list in memory of Robert Bell in the memo. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Friends of the Salem Council on Aging
Attn: Rosanna Donahue, 401 Bridge Street, Salem MA 01970

Please list in the memo the name of the person the gift is in memory of.