Paul "Buddy" David Bell
December 17, 1943 ~ July 18, 2025
Paul David “Buddy” Bell, 81, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, in The Villages, Florida.
Born on December 17, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, to Angelo and Stella Bell, Paul was raised in Solvay, NY, where he graduated from Solvay High School in 1962. He went on to study Computer Science at Utah State University.
Paul, affectionately known as “Buddy,” spent much of his professional life in Rome, NY, working as a computer and data analyst for several companies supporting the U.S. Department of Defense. In retirement, he lived for a time in Lexington, Kentucky, before settling in The Villages, Florida.
Buddy will be remembered for his warmth, sharp wit, and easygoing nature. A lifelong golfer, he played on Solvay High School’s championship team and continued to enjoy the sport throughout his life—winning tournaments in New York and playing regularly with friends in Florida.
Above all, Buddy cherished his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Bell; his children, James Bell (Laurie) of New York, Cari Bruins (Derik) of North Carolina, and Erin Bell of Colorado; and six grandchildren: Jimmy Bell, Rebecca and Madison Capezzano, and Katherine, Jackson, and Colin Bruins. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Bell of Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Buddy was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. A favorite quote shared by Buddy and Sharon was: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
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To me he was Poppy. As little as I saw him, he meant the world to me. He always had a smile on his face, and an infectious laugh. Even though I wasnt a blood related grandchild he still loved me as one of his own. He will be missed. I will always have him in my heart ❤️ forever and always.
RIP dear cousin. I have such fond memories of you whenever we would visit Syracuse. My dad ( John Stella's oldest brother) always said he looked like a real Magdziak! God bless him.
Great guy. Gone too soon.
Thinking of you all at this sad time and praying for peace. Hope your happy memories replace the sad ones soon. Really sorry for your loss…..
I only knew Buddy for a short time, but he was the ultimate gentlemen and such a sweet sweet man. His smile and warm personality lit up a room. He will be missed.
I’m so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with this intelligent, kind and very funny man for many years in Rome NY.
Paul always had a smile on his face and he was famous for his little one liners. I was just a novice software engineer when we met and he was a huge roll model for me. He used to come by my office and say “How’s your computer program?”
My sincere condolences to Sharon and his entire family.
Paul was a very special friend that I worked with, lived with, played with and laughed for much of my adult life. I am so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. You will be missed my dear friend.🥲