Ronald Henry Bell, 85, of Northbridge MA, and formerly of Holliston, passed on April 12, 2024, at his summer home in East Matunuck (South Kingstown), RI with his wife, Carol, by his side. Born in Needham MA, he was the son of the late Alfred and Ethel (Caunt) Bell.

Ron grew up in Needham and attended Needham schools. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was a jet engine mechanic at many SAC bases around the world. After his four years of service, he was employed as a maintenance mechanic at General Motors Parts Division in Westwood MA, retiring in 1993 after 35 years.

Ron loved the outdoors; whether it was hunting and fishing with his brother Bob and nephews Bob, Chuck, and Jim or hiking and camping with his family. He especially took joy in the 6-week summer cross-country camping trip they took in 1975 and hiking trips where they climbed up Mount Washington twice in one summer. Ron was an avid gardener. He spent many hours in his well-admired gardens. Whether he was tending to the hundreds of tomatoes he grew for the whole neighborhood or his beautiful window boxes, he was happiest with dirt on his hands puttering in the garden.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Carol (Murphy) Bell, he is survived by his children Paula (Joe) Ramsey of Northbridge and Susan (David) Stickney of Holliston. His granddaughters Kate (Nick) Navarro, Molly (Steve) Carpenter, Kelley (T.J.) Ouillette, Leigh-ann (Craig) Miklavic, Lauren (Colby) Foster, and Haley Stickney; his great-grandchildren Anthony and Lena Navarro, Henry Kopriva and Lucy Carpenter, Adalia and Valerie Ouillette, Elaina Miklavic and anxiously awaiting the arrival of great granddaughter Miklavic due in June. “Bumpa” was loved by all of his family and has passed on his love of the outdoors to all of them. He is also survived by his special extended family Mary Ann and Dan Capone and family, Meagan (Chris) Rodzen, Jake, Johnny and Julianne Rodzen, and Matthew and Tiffany Capone. He also leaves behind his brothers, Bob and Ken, and their families, his sister-in-law Janet Swaine, and brother-in-law Paul Murphy, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his oldest daughter Maureen (Bell) Kopriva, and brothers Edward, Charles, James, Leslie Bell, and sister Virginia Melanson.

There will be no calling hours. A private burial will be held with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please plant a perennial in your garden in Ron’s memory. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.