Brian Bell

Brian D. Bell, 87, died peacefully on Sunday August 14th after a long and valiant fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in 1935 to Beulah Prentice Bell and John C. Bell in Warsaw, NY, Brian, his older brother Jack, and his parents settled in Geneva where he enjoyed his childhood with many friends whom he kept throughout his life. After lettering in football and basketball at Geneva High School, Brian headed to Hamilton College in 1953 where, after a 2-year stint in the Army, he graduated in 1960.

After meeting the love of his life, Mary Ann, in Geneseo, they were married in 1961 and settled in Canandaigua. There they welcomed a daughter and son in 1967 and 1969. Retired from over 30 years of teaching at Pittsford Sutherland High School, Brian’s American History seminars are still remembered by many. After his “retirement,” Brian continued to teach History at Finger Lakes Community College for another 22 years, both in person and online, a new medium he embraced.

Among his many pleasures in life, Brian enjoyed dressing well, reading history, music (especially Frank Sinatra), dancing with Mary Ann, telling colorful stories, collecting many things including pens, watches, pipes and books, spending time with his grandchildren who loved their “Boppa,” smoking fine cigars and imbibing Jack Daniels while relaxing on his deck on Seneca Lake.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, his brother and niece, Tami Lee Bell. He is survived by – and missed by his wife, his daughter Mary Beth, his son Brett, daughter-in-law, Sarah, his grandchildren Ryan and Kylie, and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name to the Ed and Gerry Couny Scholarships are most appreciated. This scholarship was created by Brian and his GHS football teammates in honor of their coach, Dr. Ed “Butch” Couny, to support education students at both Hobart William Smith Colleges and Finger Lakes Community College. Finger Lakes Community College Attention: Ryan McCabe Director of Online Learning 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 Hobart William Smith Colleges Attention: Kelly Young Director of Parent Relations and Stewardships 300 Pulteney Street Geneva, NY 14456 Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for the Bell family.

Posted online on August 22, 2022

Published in Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

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Kathyrn Balmer, 05-25-2020

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