Feb 13, 2025

Dunbar

Michael Joseph “Mike” Bell, 86, of Dunbar, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown.

He was born January 23, 1939, in Dunbar, to the late Michael Bell and the late Sylvia Bellone Bell.

Michael was a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Dunbar.

He graduated from Dunbar Township High School in 1956 and went on to California State College, where he obtained his degree in education.

Michael was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam War Era; he was stationed in Ft. Knox, Ky.

In his early working years, he was employed by Beneficial Finance as a debt collector.

He then went on to fulfill his life’s true calling. Mike was employed by the Connellsville Area School District as a high school history teacher for many years. He was also the faculty manager of the Connellsville Area High School as well as the assistant coach for the Connellsville Area High School Baseball Team. During his coaching tenure, in 1973, the team went on to win the state championship. Then in 1982 they won the WPIAL championship for which they were inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame for this accomplishment.

One of his life’s proudest moments was having the honor of meeting St. Mother Theresa while traveling in India and having his photograph taken with her.

Mike will always be remembered by those who knew him throughout his lifetime, as someone who was passionate about the game of baseball. He grew up playing baseball; he was always talking about baseball; he played baseball himself; he coached baseball; he simply loved all things baseball.

In addition to his love for the sport, Mike had other pastimes that he enjoyed. He loved good music, especially polkas. He could often be found dancing with his nieces and nephews throughout their lives. After his retirement, he took several trips to Europe; including trips to Italy, his ancestry country.

Mike was an extraordinary photographer and took many photographs that will be cherished by those who are fortunate enough to have benefitted from his talent.

He was active in his community as well. He was a lifetime member of the Dunbar Historical Society, having served in the capacity of director, vice president, and treasurer over the years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of its golf league and bowling league. He was also a member of the Yough River Trail.

He is survived by his loving wife, Agnes D. “Aggie” Domaracki Bell; sister, Rosemary Kennick; several nieces and nephews, including Lynne (Mike) DeCarlo, who was also his goddaughter; as well as his great-nephew, Greg (Katie) Palladino; along with his two dearly loved great-great-nieces, Harper and Haydn Palladino; as well as several other great-nieces, nephews, great-great- nieces and great-great- nephews. He also had a multitude of dear, close friends and members of the community, who will miss him and his presence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Vincent DeBease, Lucy Mancini, Leonard Bell, Anna Palladino, Connie Connors, and Raymond Bell; nephew, Paul Palladino; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in law.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 13, in BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, where Military Honors will be accorded by Hopwood AMVETS Post 103 at 6 p.m. Additional visitation from 8 to 9:30 a.m., when prayers of transfer will be said, Friday, February 14. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. inSt. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 459 Ranch Road, Dunbar, with Fr. Peter Guardiano as celebrant.

Entombment at Green Ridge Memorial Park, Connellsville, to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions, in Michael’s name, to the Dunbar Historcial Society, 42 Bridge Street, Dunbar, PA 15431; or St. Aloysius R.C. Church, 459 Ranch Road, Dunbar, PA 15431.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page, @burhanscrouse