Richard (Dick) Franklin Bell (78), of South Burlington, Vermont died peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite home on June 23, 2018. Dick was born in Shreveport, Louisiana February 13, 1940, as the only child to Gus Franklin Bell, Jr. and Frances Louise Bossier Bell. He went to Fair Park High School in Shreveport where he played baseball and football. Dick attended every one of his reunions since graduating, missing only one. He went on and graduated from Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA) in 1962. He accepted a commission in the US Air Force where he proudly served for 7 years and left the service as a Captain. During this time, Dick was stationed throughout the U.S. and Europe, and was assigned to NATO. While on leave from his NATO position, he travelled with a fellow officer to Vermont where he met his future wife, Ms. Nancy Hayes. A few years after marrying, Richard and Nancy relocated to Vermont where he began teaching math at Milton Jr./Sr. High School. He taught for more than 31 years, and during that time he earned his master’s degree from UVM, retiring in 2002. Dick had a passion for educating young minds, coaching sports at Milton as well as for his own children. Despite living in Vermont for more than 46 years, Dick never lost his ‘southern accent’. He made sure to share his southern history with anyone who would listen. He truly loved history and gardening, and despite his illness found joy in gardening until his death. Dick was diagnosed over 40 years ago with a chronic kidney disease. After a slow decline, which forced his early retirement he then received a kidney transplant in 2003 from one of his children. This enabled Dick and those in his life, to enjoy 15 more years. Dick eventually succumbed to Cancer, a side effect of his long illness and immune-compromised condition. He is survived by his wife of more than 48 years, and their three children. Richard Steven and his wife Kathryn of Randallstown, MD; his daughters Amy Lee of Quincy, MA; and Anne Louise of Washington, DC. In addition he is survived by his many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The family would like to express their gratitude to the volunteers, family, and friends who supported them through these last chapters of life. The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Veteran’s Administration who have done a remarkable job in caring for Richard, especially, Dr. Louise Davies, Dr. Daniel Lefebvre, Holly Woods RN, Virginia Arvald PA, and Dr. Virginia Hood. Those wishing to honor Dick in lieu of flowers can support a Veterans’ or Kidney organization of their choice. A wake will be held at Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, VT on Friday July 6, from 4-7pm. A funeral service is being held at St. John Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Rd. South Burlington, VT on Saturday July 7, at 11 am. Burial to immediately follow at Resurrection Park Cemetery. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Richard Bell, please visit our Tribute Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Richard F Bell 2018. Ready Funeral Service
Death notice for the town of: Burlington, state: Vermont