Feb. 15, 1923 - Nov. 9, 2013

MIDDLEBURY — Mario Joseph Bell, 90, of Middlebury, passed away Nov. 9, 2013, at Elkhart Hospice House.

He was born Feb. 15, 1923, in Crabtree, Pa., to Phillip Campagna-Bell and Cecilia (Deldonne) Bell. On June 14, 1947, he married the love of his life, Vera (Dexter) Bell, in Crabtree.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Lynda Bell and Peggy Mansell, both of Middlebury; two brothers, Raymond (Julie) Bell of Latrobe, Pa., and Orlando (Frances) Bell of Greensburg, Pa.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents; brother Guy Elda; sister Anna Elias; and son James Bell.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater.

Mario and his wife moved to Elkhart in 1949, and he worked in the meat department at Michigan Street Grocery. He was a self-taught meat cutter and, in 1962, decided to open his own meat market/deli in Elkhart on East Jackson Boulevard.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol.

Visitation will be for one hour prior to the 7 p.m. memorial Mass on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 E. Vistula St., Bristol. The Rev. Robert VanKempen will officiate. Cremation will be at Altera Cremation Services.

Billings Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

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