John L. Bell

PLATTSBURGH - John L. Bell, age 93, an attorney and retired judge of the New York Court of Claims, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1932 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the son of George F. Bell and Lillian M. Bell. 

Known to his family and friends as Jack, he is survived by his wife, Donna G. Bell, and his five children: John D. Bell of Brandon, Vermont; Eileen M. Bell of Germantown, Maryland; Constance A. Bell of Frederick, Maryland; Mark D. Bell and Matthew H. (Kim) Bell of Plattsburgh, New York; and two grandchildren Hunter J. (Sydney) Bell and Gretchen E. Bell; and one great-grandchild, Colson J. Bell; and his sister Darlene Woldman and her husband Michael of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by two stepsons, Ronald R. (Audrey) Brooks, of Greenacres, Florida; John H. (Molly) Brooks of Saratoga Springs, New York; and two step-grandchildren, Chase and Evan Brooks.

 He was predeceased by his father and mother, George and Lillian Bell, and his brother George F. Bell, III.

The family is grateful for the excellent care and commitment shown by his in-home caregivers over many years. A special thanks to the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Comfort Care staff, and Dr. Morrison.

Jack attended Pennsylvania State University and was an honor graduate in June 1954. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and after training was assigned to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base. After he completed his three-year tour of duty, he entered Albany Law School in 1958, and graduated and passed the New York State bar examination in 1961. He spent two years as a law assistant in the New York Appellate division before joining the Plattsburgh law firm of Jerry, Lewis and Harvey, becoming a partner two years later. He later formed law partnerships Robinson, Lewis and Bell; Bell & Niles; and Bell, Niles and Peck.

He also served a number of years as Acting City Judge and thereafter as the City Judge of the City of Plattsburgh, and in 1991 was nominated by the governor and confirmed by the New York State Senate to become a judge on the New York State Court of Claims. Jack served on many professional and public service committees and was a member and past president of the Clinton County Bar Association. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, especially Penn State football and the Plattsburgh State ice hockey Cardinals.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh, New York. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10am time, also at Brown Funeral Home, with burial following at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York or your own favorite charities.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901