Paul David Bell, 81, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, in The Villages, Florida.
Born on December 17, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, to Angelo and Stella Bell, Paul was raised in Solvay, NY, where he graduated from Solvay High School in 1962. He went on to study Computer Science at Utah State University.
Paul, affectionately known as “Buddy,” spent much of his professional life in Rome, NY, working as a computer and data analyst for several companies supporting the U.S. Department of Defense. In retirement, he lived for a time in Lexington, Kentucky, before settling in The Villages, Florida.
Buddy will be remembered for his warmth, sharp wit, and easygoing nature. A lifelong golfer, he played on Solvay High School’s championship team and continued to enjoy the sport throughout his life-winning tournaments in New York and playing regularly with friends in Florida. Above all, Buddy cherished his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Bell; his children, James Bell (Laurie) of New York, Cari Bruins (Derik) of North Carolina, and Erin Bell of Colorado; and six grandchildren: Jimmy Bell, Rebecca and Madison Capezzano, and Katherine, Jackson, and Colin Bruins. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Bell of Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Buddy was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. A favorite quote shared by Buddy and Sharon was: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”