Bell, Wilfred J., 84, of Caribou, at Bangor, on December 23, 2011. Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., December 29, from the Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Caribou — Wilfred J. Bell, 84, former State Representative, civic leader and well-known area grocer, died unexpectedly December 23, 2011, at Bangor. He was born in Caribou July 27, 1927, the son of the late Henry and Lucie (Hebert) Bell. He was a graduate of Caribou High School and he married Cecile Martin June 9, 1950. Will began a long career in the grocery business when he took a job at the local A&P, he then became the manager of the Red and White and then he was the store manager for Paradis IGA for many years. During his long grocery career, Will received many awards and won numerous national grocery contests. He began a long and distinguished career in public service when he was elected to the Caribou City Council. He served on the Council for many years and served as Mayor several times. In the 1960’s, he served on the original charter commission for the city. He was elected to 114th and 115th Maine State Legislature, House District 147, where he served on many committees. Mr. Bell was always very proud of his 100 percent attendance and voting record while serving in the House. He was presented the Outstanding Constituent Award by Secretary of State William Diamond in 1989. He was a life member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters where he served as Chief Ranger. Will was a charter member of the Caribou Kiwanis Club, serving as club president as well as Lt. Governor, New England District and many will remember his antics as the “Keystone Kops Judge”. Mr. Bell was honored as Caribou Citizen of the year in 1967 and 1984, the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, the High Court Catholic Order of Foresters Legion of Honor award as well as the Forester of the Year award. Will has served as the Aroostook County Treasurer for a number of years and was the president of the Maine State County Treasurers Association. For over 47 years, he also was the area sales representative for the Newton Manufacturing Company.
Surviving in addition to his wife of over 61 years, Cecile of Caribou are his children, David Bell and wife, Cathy of Jacksonville, Fl., Bonnie Bell and special friend, Kerry Leavitt of Anaheim, Calif., Donna Halacy and husband Michael of Susso Lt. Virginia, Brian Bell of Caribou, Douglas Bell and wife, Becky, of Caribou, Karen Valenti of Niceville, Fl., and Paula Levasseur and fiancé, Eric Hale of Caribou; one brother, Gilbert Bell and wife, Maxine of Caribou; two sisters, Cecile Cammilleri and husband, Leo of Enfield, Ct., and Mary Michaud of Meriden, Ct.; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Mr Bell was predeceased by a half-sister and husband, Margaret and Paul Squirrel.
Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, from the Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Old Holy Rosary Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Bell may do so through the Holy Rosary Catholic Church memorial fund. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
