Charles A. Bell, 78, of Franklin died at 11:25 AM, August 20, 2013 at his residence.
Born May 06, 1935 in Lucinda, PA, Charles was the son of the late Russell and Ethel (Fagley) Bell.
On July 30, 1963 he married the former Maria Stefanakos, who survives. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 30th of this year.
Charles was a 1953 graduate of Cranberry High School.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army from December 6, 1958 to February 9, 1964 and was stationed overseas in Germany. He was honorably discharged and received the Good Conduct Medal.
Charles was employed as a welder for the Pennzoil Refinery in Rouseville. He retired in 1998 after 45 years of service.
Mr. Bell was a member of the Franklin Eagles, FOE #328 and the Oil City VFW, Post #464.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling tall tales about his outdoor adventures, and a good joke. Charlie especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Maria K. Bell, he is survived by his children, Eugenia (Nia) M. Zimmer and her husband, Nathan A. of Erie, C. Athena Rodgers and her husband, Scott of Slippery Rock, Shannon C. Bell of Franklin, and Constantine A. Bell and his wife, Sally of Pittsburgh and his grandchildren Tyler Bell of Franklin and Rachel Zimmer of Erie.
He is additionally survived by his siblings, George Bell and his wife, Jane of Oil City, Robert Bell of Sugarcreek, Gertrude Adelsperger and her husband, Frank of Seneca, R. Thomas Bell and his wife, Linda of Sugarcreek, Rose Rhoades and her husband, Charles of Venus, Carl Bell and his wife, Linda of Franklin, Leona Culp of West Middlesex, William Bell and his wife, Penny of Sugarcreek, and Clarence Bell and his wife, Suelyn of Seneca; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Agnes Larson, and a niece.
Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Friday, August 23, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Father John Malthaner of St. Luke’s Parish of Erie, PA, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Titusville VFW.
Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Franklin Public Library and/or the charity of one’s choice.
To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.