John Edward Bell
Dunbar
It is with great sorrow that the family of John Edward “Johnny” Bell, 87, of Dunbar, announce his passing Sunday, August 17, 2025, in his home, surrounded by those who loved him most.
He fought a 20-year battle against cancer and its side effects. He faced his diagnosis, treatments, and every incredible difficulty that he was dealt with an awe-inspiring positive attitude and a consistent focus on doing whatever was necessary to get well. He showed great courage, bravery, and fortitude; he never once complained nor felt sorry for himself. And most importantly, he never gave up. No matter the news delivered, his response always was, “What do we do now?” as his focus was to remain here with those he loved.
He was born May 13, 1938, at home in Leisenring, to the late Thomas A. Bell and the late Stella McGrogan Bell.
John was very proud of his faith and was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Leisenring until the time of his marriage. He went on to become a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Dunbar, where he was a proud member for the remainder of his life.
He was in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserves.
In 1960, he became the proud owner/operator of Bell’s Paint & Body Shop in Dunbar, which truly became his greatest joy in life. When one thinks of “Johnny Bell” they think of “cars” Cars were his greatest passion. In some aspect, everything to do with his life had to do with cars. His life’s work wasn’t just a “job” to him, it was also his hobby, his favorite pastime, and what he thought about when his mind wandered. He loved fixing them; he sold used cars for a period of time, ran a towing company, and more. He even had his home right next to the shop in order to be readily available for his customers and anyone in need of any type of automotive assistance at all times. Even during his illness, much of his focus was on getting well in order to get back to the shop. He wanted to return to his customers and to what he was most passionate about in life.
Additionally, John’s love and pride extended to his family. He took a tremendous amount of pride in the accomplishments of not just his immediate family, but to those of his extended family as well. In particular, to those of his nieces and nephews to whom he became the “family patriarch” over time as his siblings passed. He wanted each of them to do well in their lives and was always readily available to provide them with advice, a helping hand, or anything else that he could do to help them along the way if he was able to.
He was the last remaining member of his immediate family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Paula Nativio Bell; his daughter, Jennifer Bell- Goodwin, and husband Mark Goodwin; three grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth (Matthew) Agostoni, Gage Grant Goodwin, and Gabrielle Marie Goodwin and boyfriend Titan Livingood; brother-in-law, Ronald Yankovich; sisters-in- law, Virginia Bell and Anna Bell; nieces and nephews, Christina (Bill) Vaslasky, Tom (Monica) Bell, Nick (Mary) Bell, Stella (Tim) Martin, Cindy (Brian) Stillwagon, John G. (Jen) Bell, Kathy (Bruce) Laake, Michael (Patricia) Bell, Philip (Kathy) Bell, David Bell, Rebecca (Kevin) Pattera, Tricia (Dean) Dominick, Donna (Paul) Hensh, and in a special way, his nephew, Jimmy (Debbie) Bell, who was like a son to him; many great- nieces and great- nephews; and a multitude of friends as well as close business associates, many who became close friends over the years.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Bell, Michael Bell, Philip Bell and James Bell; sister, Stella Yankovich; and sisters-in-law, Marie Bell and Dolly Bell.
Friends will be received from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 21, in the BURHANS- CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, where visitation continues Friday, August 22, from 8 until 9:30 a.m., when prayers of transfer will be said. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius R. C. Church, 459 Ranch Road, Dunbar, with Fr. Tom Avila as celebrant.
Interment to follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, where Military Rites will be accorded by Hopwood AMVETS Post 103.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page, @burhanscrouse