Obituary of Richard A. Bell

Richard A. Bell, 68, of Saratoga Springs, entered the arms of his Creator on October 21, 2016 at his residence with his beloved wife, Monica and faithful dog Shugga at his side. Richard was born in New Rochelle, NY, the son of the late Walter Bell and Florence Miller Bell. The devoted father of three daughters and a son: Jessica (Sam) Sullivan of Albany; Jill (Michael) DeAnzeris of Saratoga and Aimee Hommel of Malta; Scott (Lucretia) Hommel of Davidsonville, Maryland, Richard is also survived by two sisters: Wendy Wanninger of Mariaville, NY, and Joan (Howie) Bashant of Denver, Colorado. He was predeceased by older sister, Barbara Pickett of South Bristol, Maine, and brother-in-law, Robert Wanninger. His eleven grandchildren: Cooper, Sydney and Harry Sullivan; Sophia and Mikey DeAnzeris; Zak and Matt Hommel; Gabriella and Scotty Hommel, Jr.; Morgan and Christian Boldish, and one infant great grandson, Ryder Bagwell were the love of his life. He is also survived by nephews Rich and Willie Pickett; David and Bob Arons; Rob Wanninger; niece, Randi (Jeff) Zier, several grand-nieces and nephews and loving family friend, Eileen Wojcieszak. Additionally, he will be greatly missed by long-time college buddies, Ron Paquette and Donald Dunne and childhood friend, Joel Caplan. He joins his racing pal in heaven, the late Jeff Ott. Richard received his Bachelor Degree from Gettysburg College and Master Degree from SUNY Albany. He was the former Executive Director and subsequent Commissioner of the NYS Workers Compensation Board, appointed by former Governor George Pataki. Rick was known for his acerbic wit, his extensive vocabulary and public speaking skills, his dedication to Workers Compensation issues, his avid love for thoroughbred racing, golf and “building something out of nothing”. He loved his longtime baseball, basketball and golf friends and wanted his legacy to be that he “was the funniest and smartest man alive.” Calling hours will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 10 a.m.to noon, with a musical interlude and Special Blessing at 11:30, at The Gardner Earl Chapel, on the grounds of Oakwood Cemetery, 186 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, NY 12182. In order to keep his memory alive and honor his love for thoroughbred racing, The Richard A. Bell Scholarship Fund for Equine Excellence has been established at the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, P.O. Box 170070, Jamaica, NY11417. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the White - Sanvidge Funeral Home, 58 Leversee Road (RT-40 in Speigletown) Troy, New York 12182.