Richard J. Bell
ALBANY- Richard J. Bell, 88, died on September 2, 2012 at St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany, New York. He was the son of Alderman John T. Bell and Bertha Amy Norris Bell. He was born in Corning, NY on November 23, 1923. He lived in Corning until retirement, when he, his wife, and daughter moved to Sun City Center, Florida in 1988. They lived there for 23 years until brought to Albany for better health care.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Ruth Panyard Bell, daughter Kathleen R. Bell and brother John Rodney Bell. He is survived by his son Gregory Bell and wife Nancy H. Goody of Albany, NY; his brothers David Bell of Elmira, NY and Alan Bell of Cocoa Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his closest niece Brandy Bell Lewis and her daughter Morgan Lewis of Brunswick, Georgia, his closest nephew John Jeffrey Bell and wife Debbie of Manchester, Connecticut, and long-time family friend James Beckett of Corning.
Serving in the Signal Corps of the US Army during World War II, he was stationed on remote Pacific islands constructing radio towers to enable the US air invasion of Japan.
Mr. Bell was the Tax Commissioner for the City of Corning, followed by being the Director of Real Property Tax Services for Schuyler County. With his excellent people skills and humor, he always explained property taxes to citizens in a way that they would leave his office with a smile, even as they also got a tax increase.
Richard lived a spirited life. He had a wry sense of humor and great story telling abilities. He also had unique skills as a psychic. These included the ability to visualize criminals, find lost people, identify playing cards by touch, and to identify wrapped objects.
Richard’s ancestors moved to beautiful Schuyler County in the Finger Lakes in 1826. With these roots, with his background as a tax assessor, and his love of the region, he was appalled by proposals to allow high volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas there. He knew that such failure-prone industrial activity would immediately reduce property values and tourism. As a result, any memorial gifts are requested to be sent to Food & Water Watch, 68 Jay St., Suite 713, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (for New Yorkers Against Hydrofracking). Funeral services are private. Online condolences may be offered at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.
Joseph F. Savage
Joseph F. Savage, 86, of Apollo Beach, FL, passed away Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012. Joe was born in Watertown, NY to Francis H. and Mary E. (Simons) Savage. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Richard, John and Fred. He is survived by his wife, Marcella A. Savage (who just recently passed), daughter Kelly Jo Savage, sister Mary Bell, five step-children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Joe enjoyed boating and being on the water, his family and friends, and took great pride in serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to LifePath Hospice., 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637-9975. A celebration of his life will be held at the Riverview Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, 9000 Honeywell Road, Gibsonton, FL 33534 on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m.
Marcella Ann Savage
Marcella Ann Savage, 82, of Apollo Beach, FL, passed away Friday, Sept. 14, 2012. Marcie was born in Peterson, Iowa to Minnie Puhrmann. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph F. Savage, sisters Norma and Carolyn, and brothers Donald and Jerry. She is survived by her children Terry, Dawn, David, Tim, Joe, and Kelly Jo, sister Pauline, nine grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Marcie enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and time with friends. She is best known for her love for her family, her pets, her passion for cooking, and the Culinary Arts. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to LifePath Hospice., 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637-9975. A celebration of her life will be held at the Riverview Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, 9000 Honeywell Road, Gibsonton, FL 33534 on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m.
Martha Ruth Sumner
Martha Ruth Sumner passed away on Sept. 10, 2012. A long-time resident of Ruskin, she was a short-time resident of Bartow. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Sumner and is survived by her eight children and their spouses: Richard and Catherine Davis, Ed and Ellen Pintze, Jimmy Sumner, Donald and Annette Kierce, Denise Robinson, Dan and Joan Sumner, William and Melissa Sumner, Alan and Rita Payne. She is also survived by 35 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Martha was very loved. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Prayers to the family.
Ralph E. Willett
Ralph E. Willett, 78, passed away on Friday, Sept.7, 2012, at Life Path Hospice in Sun City Center, FL, of complications from brain cancer following a successful kidney transplant. He was a research metallurgist and marketing manager for over 40 years, serving the copper & brass industry. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Nancy, his daughters Kathy Willett, Kristin (Al) Gagne, and Kelly (Mike) Heffernan, and grandchildren Melissa, Dan, Sarah, Drew, Rebecca & Jack Fenway. There will be a private family gathering to honor his memory in South Portland, ME. His charity is the National Kidney Foundation.
