Robert "Bob" L. Bell

Olean- Robert L. “Bob” “Grumps” Bell, formerly of Fay Hollow Road, most recently a resident of the Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Olean, passed away Wednesday (July 22, 2020) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born January 27, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA., he was the son of the late, Coy and Alice Effie Mae Carter Bell. On May 29, 1954 in Woodcock Borough, PA., he married the former Annette M. “Annie” Shorts, who predeceased him on November 21, 2014.

Bob was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. He owned and operated Bell Communications serving Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties and later opened and ran Olean Telephone Store in Olean.

Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman, and Ham radio operator. He also enjoyed skydiving and traveling. Bob was very active with several church in the area and volunteered at Loaves and Fishes food pantry.  After retirement, Bob and his wife enjoyed serving with the SOWER ministry.

Surviving are eight children; Kathleen (Stephen) Wagner of Hershey, PA., Timothy (Jane) Bell of New London, IA, Mark Bell of Arcade, Jill Finch of Olean, Steven (Nicole) Bell of Lancaster, Scott (Christine) Bell of Olean, Paul Bell of Akron, OH, and Peter (Patricia) Bell of Canton, TX., twenty-eight grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one brother, Leroy Bell; and two sisters, Shirley Calvert and Dairy Mae Moore.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Coy and Kenny Bell.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street Olean, on Friday from 4-7pm and on Saturday (July 25, 2020) from 10am-11am. Funeral and committal services will follow at 11am in the funeral home.   Rev. Dan Todd, Pastor of Hillside Wesleyan Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Veterans Field of Honor.

Memorials if desired may be made to, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, 753 Prospect Ave., Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be made at www.guentherfh.com.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face coverings and social distancing are required.