I just found out today, May 17, about the passing of my great and oldest friend, Robert Bruce Bell. We met in 10th grade doing Junior Achievement in the Media Center, being in 2 different, competing groups (OPCO! PENNCO!). By 12th grade, we were together in a JA company that was unstoppable! Sadly, our Bogen enlarger, which we bought together, was "burned up" in the JA Center fire. (It was actually in his basement, I found out later.)

We spent many weekends down at 609 Central Ave. in OCNJ. Due to enjoying the occasional drink or two, with the drinking age at 18 in NJ at the time, I don't remember all of them. My favorite story is when we brought a couch down to the Shore house on the top of his Dad's Ambassador. We got to the house, sober, and it wouldn't fit through the door. After an hour of trying, we took a break and went over to Marmora, to the tavern that is Yesterdays now, where our friend worked. We spent the afternoon drinking then, went back to the house. Things are hazy, but we woke up about 11:00 PM, laying on the couch, which, somehow, had gotten in the house. We went back out to celebrate. We spent so much time on the Moorlyn Terrace beach, putting on baby oil that was tinted with iodine. And, of course, he squeezed juice from fresh lemons in his hair to make it blonder. "Chicks dig blond hair!" I keeping my dermatologist kids in college with my frequent visits to them, due to those days!

Bob had a movie camera and we spent hours making bad Super 8 movies. The best one; I'm driving a "cab", Bob, junky old car, and I pick up a passenger, Bob, and help him in the back, and he's obviously drunk. We drove down State St. in Media, at night, and I stop at a light. My drunk passenger leans over the seat and says, "Do you have room up there for a pizza and a case of beer?" I nod yes, and he proceeds to ralph all over the front seat, with accompanying sound track. It was dark, so you couldn't see that he didn't really throw up. This is how 19 years boys spent their time in 1972-73. Please forgive the silly anecdotes, but they are such fond memories.

Bob was my Best Man at our wedding and we remained friends and in touch, but less frequently so as time passed and we went through our busy lives. He met the love of his life, Gretchen, and was a happy man. My daughters enjoyed time with Bob as they grew up. Bob and Gretchen visited us in Sea Isle City, NJ, after we moved here full time. Sadly, Sue and I learned of Bob's passing from Sue's sister, who just saw Bob's obituary. We are so sorry to have missed his service. Bob's serving as our Best Man must have took because we are coming up on 48 years of marriage in a few months.

Thank you Bob and God Bless you and keep you at His right hand.

I had the pleasure of working with Bob at MLH. He was kind, compassionate, and just an easy going soul! I have stayed in touch with him since his retirement and throughout his illness. I had not heard from him in a while and reached out in February to check in without a response which gave me a bad feeling. I had the pleasure of meeting Gretchen once and could tell that they had a very special loving relationship. I'm so sorry for your loss Gretchen.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Bob Bell's passing. I had the privilege of working with Bob at Main Line Health, and I will always treasure the memories of our time together. Bob's Lab Project was the very first project I worked on when I started there, and from the moment I met him, I knew he was someone special. He was warm, kind, and always so eager to teach.

After a few years, Bob and I became cube mates, and he brought such joy to our work environment. His positive attitude and ability to lift the morale of the department were unmatched. He was always eager to share stories of his wife, Gretchen, and their travels and food experiences. It was clear how much he loved her and how much they enjoyed life together.

Bob had a way of listening, offering a sympathetic ear for any issue, whether work-related or personal. His kindness and understanding meant so much to so many of us. Even after he retired, we all missed his smiling face, but we were comforted knowing he was living life to the fullest.

While Bob will be sorely missed here, I take comfort in knowing that he is now a star among the heavens, shining brightly as he always did here on earth. My thoughts are with his family and all who were lucky enough to know him.

With deepest sympathy,

~Stephanie

Gretchen, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Remembering the fun and laughter we shared in Sea Isle!

So glad we enjoyed our moments with You &Bob!

I have thought a lot of times of Bob over the years. I haven't seen him at any of our high school reunions over the years. Penncrest class of 1971. We met up again when he was at Villanova University, where I worked for 43 years. I have not seen him since then. A few days ago I was thinking of him and determined to seek him out for a meeting again. I found out today at a meeting with high school classmates that he had passed. He always made me laugh. I wish I had resolved to contact him sooner. I will miss not having the pleasure of his company again. My condolences to the family. Steven Berlin

Bob Bell! What a wonderful man- kind, jolly, intelligent, friendly, supportive! I worked with him at Lankenau many years ago. Over the years we shared stories of travel and happy retirement. God blessed the world with Bob Bell and now Bob is looking down on all of us, smiling his beautiful smile and praying that we will all join him in Heaven when our time comes.

It is hard to believe it has been almost 30 years since I first worked with Bob (at MLH). He taught me more than I can remember about LIS. But I will always remember his kindness, his devotion to doing the right thing, and his love of life. We had wonderful times squeezing in discussions about travel while getting a lot of work done.

I count Bob among the kindest friends I ever have known. Memories going back more than 40 years to our early days at Lankenau Hospital. If only the world had more people like him. He will be sorely missed.

Bob was a coworker who became my friend for 40+ years. Christmas dinners and pool parties will always be happy memories for me . Gretchen was his other half who completed a couple that were truly soul mates. Gretchen, we're all here for you.

Bob was a great friend with a warm smile and always encouraging. He was a mentor to me when I first graduated college. We have remained friends almost 40 years. Love ya Poppa Bob you will be remembered. Gretchen, stay strong and let us know how to help.