Dr. John H. Bell, Jr.

BELL – Dr. John H., Jr., 77, Windber, went to be with the Lord May 20, 2021. Born June 18, 1943, in Windber, son of Dr. John H., Sr. and M. Katherine (Maneval) Bell.  Preceded in death by parents; wife of 46 years, former Janice L. Weller and sister, Martha K. (Bell) Michelson. Survived by daughters, Stacey Lynne, Tampa, Fla.; Lisa Louise, wife of David Lybarger, Johnstown; and Eve Louise, wife of Chris Woodum, Richmond, Va.; and grandchildren, Brittney and Morgan Lybarger. He graduated from Windber Area High School in 1961, studied at University of Wisconsin and graduated from University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine in 1967. As a youth enjoyed camping and became an Eagle Boy Scout at age 13. John served as a U.S. Navy dentist with Marine Helicopter Air Group 26 during the Vietnam conflict, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He practiced general dentistry in Windber for 40 years and closed the three-generation (100 years) dental practice in 2007. Past president of Cambria County Dental Society and received numerous dental awards. Member of Scalp Level – Paint Fire Department and former member of Windber Fire Department. Founded the Somerset County Fire Police Association in 1983; served six terms as its president and 27 years as its training coordinator, and distributed statewide its training books for 29 years. Associated with Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship and personally supported missionaries in Central African Republic, Honduras and New Tribes in Venezuela. John was a 32nd Degree Mason and 50-year member of Greater Johnstown Lodge 538 F&AM, Williamsport Consistory, Scottish Rite, Altoona Jaffa Shrine, Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion and Life Member American Dental Association. He was inducted into the Windber Area Hall of Fame in 2019. John loved his family, pets, travel, sightseeing, gardening, cooking, home remodeling, mechanics and genealogy. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, (Richland), Johnstown, PA, where service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 26 with military Rites by Conemaugh Valley Detachment 287, Marine Corps League. Pastor Jim Gay, officiating. Private interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to the charity of their choice. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)