Charles Henry Bell, Feb. 10, 1919-March 25, 2011, resident of San Mateo. Beloved father of Gary Bell of Hillsborough and Debra Norits of Etiwanda, CA, and cherished grandfather of Bridget Bell, Bryan Norits and Jane Norits. Charles passed away on March 25, 2011. Charles was married for over 60 years to the late Dorothea W. Bell. Charles touched many lives with his outgoing nature and positive spirit. He was born to Jane and Simon Bell and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he attended school and graduated from the University of Chicago. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. During this time his B24 aircraft was shot down over Austria where he was then captured and held as a prisoner of war until the war's end. Returning from the war he relocated to San Francisco and continued his career at Armour & Company in South San Francisco. In 1948 he married Dorothea Margaret Wachter. Charles returned to military duty in the Air Force Reserve during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in Waco, Texas. When his service ended, the family returned to the Bay Area where he again resumed his career at Armour & Company until his retirement in 1983. Charley was a Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, a very active member of his church, enjoyed gardening, fine dining and many other activities. Friends and Family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew in San Mateo. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Episcopal Church of Saint. Matthew, 1 El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401. Arrangements by Crosby-N. Gray & Co., Burlingame, CA 650-342-6617.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from April 2 to April 4, 2011.

Note: WWII & Korean War Veteran.