Celebrating the life of
William Henry Bell
October 15, 1918 - June 17, 2017
SAVANNAH - William Henry Bell, age 98, died Saturday, June 17, 2017 at The Oaks at The Marshes on Skidaway Island. He had been a resident of Savannah since 1989, living on Skidaway Island. Born in Schenectady, NY, Mr. Bell graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1939, Phi Beta Kappa, and spent most of his life in Moorestown, NJ.
His subsequent banking career began with J. P. Morgan in New York. He eventually became President, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bankcorp, a statewide institution in New Jersey. He was active in the New Jersey Bankers Association and the Association of Bank Holding Companies, and served on the boards of directors of several industrial companies and charitable institutions.
Mr. Bell devoted several years as chairman of the Coriell Institute of Medical Research in Camden, New Jersey and was also Vice-Chairman of Duralith Corporation of Millsville, NJ. He was listed in Who’s Who in America and was a member of the Pine Valley Golf Club.
During World War II he attained the rank of Lt. Commander, U.S. Navy, and ultimately took command of a Destroyer Escort which won five battle stars in Pacific campaigns and was credited with the sinking of a Japanese submarine.
In the 1950’s Bell formed a non-profit association with the purpose of improving the decaying housing in Camden, NJ. Over a seven year period, 530 homes were rebuilt and sold to low income families with low rate long term mortgages.
During his Savannah years he served on the Board of Directors of Hospice Savannah, Inc., and was a member of the Oglethorpe Club, and the St. Andrews Society. He was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church.
Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Creedon Bell of Melrose, MA, his second wife, Barbara West Bell of Savannah GA, his parents, William H. and Elizabeth Lambert Bell of Schenectady, NY, and two sisters, Betty Metcalfe of Cape Cod, MA, and Janet Parker, of New York.
Surviving are daughters, Susan Bell Santangelo of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Martha L. Bell-Hart of Edmonds, WA, Patricia Bell of South Deerfield, MA, Barbara Bell Grover of Salt Lake City, UT, Alexandra Bell of Ashfield, MA, and Madeline Bell-Black of Moorestown, NJ; his brother, Donald L. Bell of Ballston Spa, NY; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two step-sons, Parker Page and Owen Page III.
There will be no local service. The family will inter his cremains in the family plot in New Jersey at a later date.
The family suggests that remembrances be made to the St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I did not know Mr. Bell but my condolences. I read the obit and was interested in what Destroyer Escort Mr. Bell was on during WW2. My father was on DE USS Dale W. Peterson and they also were credited with sinking a Japanese sub and i was wondering if Mr. Bell and my father were shipmates. Thank you.
- Michael Canaris, Deptford , NJ
Bill was really a remarkably fine gentleman, dear, bright and interesting. He accomplished much and gave of himself generously during his long life. Harry and I treasured his frendship, sharing memories of central NJ and Barnegat Light. Bill's beautiful spirit never failed these last debilitating months, and I felt keenly his trust in the grace and love of our Lord. God bless you all ~ Louise
- Shipps, Savannah, GA
Dear Bill, We shall miss you but hold high hopes of meeting again in His home. We feel deepest sympathy for your loving daughters' loss and send heartfelt love to you and your dear family. YAY! YOU BEAT YOUR DAD'S 94 YEARS-YOUR GOAL! Always, Marie
- Marie Backus McGaughey, Savannah, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family. We were part of a group that brought Holy Communion to Mr. Bell for a number of years - from St. James Parish. He will be remembered as a dear, sweet man. May he rest in peace. Bob & Joyce Egan
- egan, savannah, ga
I did not know Mr. Bell but my condolences. I read the obit and was interested in what Destroyer Escort Mr. Bell was on during WW2. My father was on DE USS Dale W. Peterson and they also were credited with sinking a Japanese sub and i was wondering if Mr. Bell and my father were shipmates. Thank you.
- Michael Canaris, Deptford , NJ
Bill was really a remarkably fine gentleman, dear, bright and interesting. He accomplished much and gave of himself generously during his long life. Harry and I treasured his frendship, sharing memories of central NJ and Barnegat Light. Bill's beautiful spirit never failed these last debilitating months, and I felt keenly his trust in the grace and love of our Lord. God bless you all ~ Louise
- Shipps, Savannah, GA
Dear Bill, We shall miss you but hold high hopes of meeting again in His home. We feel deepest sympathy for your loving daughters' loss and send heartfelt love to you and your dear family. YAY! YOU BEAT YOUR DAD'S 94 YEARS-YOUR GOAL! Always, Marie
- Marie Backus McGaughey, Savannah, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family. We were part of a group that brought Holy Communion to Mr. Bell for a number of years - from St. James Parish. He will be remembered as a dear, sweet man. May he rest in peace. Bob & Joyce Egan
- egan, savannah, ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
