Sept. 27, 1951 – Dec. 31, 2024    

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and Scoutmaster, Bill passed away peacefully in the early morning of Dec. 31, 2024 after battling Lewy body dementia for 10 years.  

Bill was the first born of three brothers to Stella and Billy J. Bell, and raised in Eagle Rock. Bill was a member of St. Dominic’s Youth Choir and later the Folk Mass Choir where in 1971 he met a girl visiting from Phoenix. They fell in love and two years later, in August 1973, he married Jo Anne. He and Jo Anne have called Sparr Heights their home since 1978. 

Bill graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1969 and attended California State University, Los Angeles, where he graduated with a BS in business administration. Bill worked as a purchasing agent in various manufacturing industries including rubber, clothing, aerospace and rivets. He volunteered for 15 years as a first aid instructor with the American Red Cross and served at both St. Dominic’s and Holy Redeemer in various capacities.

As soon as they became Mr. and Mrs., they became Girl Scout leaders in Eagle Rock as Scouting was a big part of Jo Anne’s childhood. When their own children were of Scouting age, they became active in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Crescenta Valley.   

As Scoutmaster, and then assistant Scoutmaster, Bill led the members of Troop 303 for many years. In total, he dedicated about 40 years to Scouting. Both of his own children, Andrew and Christina, earned the highest awards in Scouting. Bill also received numerous Scouting awards.  

Bill enjoyed everything in the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, camping, boating and biking. We are fortunate that we have so many wonderful memories with the family, including the three grandchildren.  

Bill is survived by his wife Jo Anne; son Andrew (wife Tanaya); daughter Christina (wife Denise); brothers John and Russell; sister Katie; and three grandchildren: Steven, Michael and Alana. His gentle nature, love, wisdom, storytelling, sense of humor, honesty, compassion and companionship will be greatly missed.  

His funeral Mass will be at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.

Memorial donations to Scouting America, Verdugo Hills Council, or Lewy Body Dementia Association are appreciated.