Richard Oman “Dick” Bell, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 21, 2023, at Newbury Court in Concord.
Born in Havre, Montana on February 16, 1933, to Emma (Oman) Bell and Martin Averill Bell, Dick was predeceased by 3 siblings, Martin Bell, Jr., R. Elisabeth Bell, and William Bell.
Dick received his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University, a Master’s degree from Harvard University, and a PhD. in Physics from Boston University. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Phi.
In 1955, Dick received a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany where he met Virginia “Gin” Bell. They married January 25, 1957 in Westwood, CA, then settled in Sudbury, where they raised their 4 children and enjoyed 66 years of marriage.
Dick spent his career as a Physicist with Mobil Solar Energy Co. improving solar cell design. Some of his early solar cells were used to power Skylab in 1973-74, the first ever manned space station. He retired from Mobil Solar in 1994 though he continued to serve as a consultant for many years.
Dick served on the Sudbury Conservation Commission and was an active member of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry.
Dick and Gin enjoyed an active retirement together, traveling both in the states and internationally. They particularly enjoyed the National parks, Club Med excursions, and their vacations to Seabrook Island, SC with their family.
Dick and Gin participated in Senior games where they entered track and field events. They were avid skiers, enjoying skiing well into their 80’s. Dick was a loving family man, a quiet man of faith, and a friend to all.
He is survived by loving wife Virginia Bell and children David Bell and wife Susan; Margaret (Bell) Woodworth and husband Keith; Katherine Bell and husband Max Deaton; and Edward Bell and wife Jennifer. Dick leaves well-loved 9 grandchildren; Rebecca, Nathaniel, Joseph, Felicity, Abigail, Jamison, Samuel, Trevor, and Riley.
A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 in Duvall Chapel at Newbury Court, 80 Deaconess Road, Concord, MA 01742.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Elizabeth’s Church in Sudbury or Duvall Chapel with a check made out to NEDA with a memo for either Chapel Renovations or Spiritual Life.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For Dick’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
