Thomas Bell

Thomas W. Bell, 95, of Greensburg, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 14, 2017 at his home in Redstone Highlands. Tom was born on November 22, 1922 in Warrington, England, the son of the late Tom and Elsie (Davenport) Bell. He proudly served in WWII in the British Royal Navy. While in England, Tom was a horse groom and learned the trade of brick masonry. He married the former Doreen Lynch on September 6, 1947. After having their two daughters in England, they immigrated to America, settling in Greensburg. Tom continued laying brick, leaving many ‘masterpieces’, such as the West Penn Power building at Cabin Hill and the original Westmoreland Museum of American Art, to name just a few. He was past President of Bricklayers Local 75 (now BAC 9), was a Training Coordinator with the Appalachian Council of the AFL-CIO, and he was instrumental in the development of the Training Center at WCCC. Tom and Doreen enjoyed flying in their Cessna 150, traveling the USA in their motor home, and spending winters in Florida. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Ivan, of British Columbia. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doreen; two daughters, Elaine Lynch, of Frederick, MD, and Barbara and Bob McDonald of Greensburg; four grandchildren: Jennifer and Dan Tucci; Amanda Lightner; Todd and Samantha Lightner, all of Maryland; and Emily and Steve Stchur of Carnation, WA; twelve great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rita Bell; and nieces and nephew, Sue Matthews of South Africa, Sandy (John) Deal, and Steve Lynch of England. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Redstone Highlands and Three Rivers Hospice for their loving care and support. Friends will be received from 12 PM until the time of service at 2 PM Sunday at KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg. Pastor Donna Gabler of Charter Oak Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Greensburg or a charity of one's choice. Tom was truly a gentleman.