William Bell

William "Ray" Bell

Age 88 of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday May 12, 2010 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, surrounded by his family.

Born December 2, 1921 in Symerton, Ray was a son of the late William Joseph and Jennie Loretta Dillon-Bell. On March 29, 1944, Ray was inducted into the United States Army at Fort Sheridan, and served during World War II in the Po Valley of Italy, prior to his Honorable Discharge on April 13, 1946. It was on September 5, 1954 that Ray married Rosanna Purcell in Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and together they raised their family and lived their entire married life in Wilmington. Ray worked for the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, prior to gaining employment with Olin Chemical, from where he retired after 44 years of service. He also owned and operated Bell's T.V. Repair in Wilmington for many years. Ray was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, The Wilmington VFW Malcomb J. Mayo Post, Fr. George Kuzma Council of the Knights of Columbus, The Wilmington Moose Lodge and the American Legion. He also served as an Alderman for 22 years with the City of Wilmington. Ray was known for the love of gardening and refinishing furniture.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years Rosanna; eight children: Rosemary (Dave) Malone of Wilmington, Debbie Bell-Karaszewski of Aurora, Kathy (Dave) Pinchetti of San Diego, Bernadette (Dean) Plese of Wilmington, Donna Bell of Braidwood, Mary Theresa Bell of Wilmington, Dan (Melanie) Bell of Naperville and Maureen (Marty) Plese of Wilmington; nine grandchildren: Raymond Malone of Coal City, Alycen Malone of Hollywood, California, Michael and Breanna Plese of Wilmington, Ethan and Aidan Bell of Naperville and Zachary, Lexi and Jacob Plese of Wilmington; two sisters: Mary Thompson-Tatro and Bernice (Jim) Lardi, both of Wilmington and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Leo Bell.

The family will receive friends at Saint Rose Catholic Church, 624 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington, on Friday May 14, 2010 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM. Funeral services will follow Saturday May 15th at 10:00AM in the Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ray's memory to Saint Rose School or Kuzma Care Cottage.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)