Robert Charles Bell
May 14, 1940 - January 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Charles “Santa Bob” Bell, 84, of Windsor Locks, on January 1, 2025. Born in Jersey City, NJ on May 14, 1940, the son of the late Dr. Robert Howard Bell, Ph.D. and Ruth (Tilton) Bell. Bob graduated from South High School, Valley Stream, NY, Class of 1958 and Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, RCA Institute, Class of 1962.
A lifelong train enthusiast, Bob turned his passion into a business, owning and operating New England Hobby Supply in Manchester, Connecticut for 40 years. His store became a hub for hobbyists and train lovers alike, offering not just supplies but also a sense of community and shared joy.
He was a dedicated volunteer at his church, First Church in Windsor, where he previously served on the Board of Deacons, the First Church Traveling Ministry and the Welcoming Committee. He was currently serving on the church’s Prudential Board, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee. During the holiday season, Bob brought joy to countless children and families by donning the red suit as “Santa Bob” with the CT Society of Santas, with whom he was a longtime member and serving as the Conductor on North Polar Express train.
Bob was thoroughly invested in his community. He volunteered and was a member of numerous civic organizations. Bob devoted his time as President of Valley Railroad Company/Essex Steam Train, Board member of Windsor Historical Society, Board of Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, Central Connecticut Tourism District Board and he volunteered during retirement at New England Air Museum. He received the MCCC Distinguished Citizen Award in 2014. Central CT Tourism District presented Bob with its Life-Time Achievement award in 2023. Over many years, Bob worked tirelessly to develop the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat into a prominent destination. He also worked on the recovery of the Bradley Air Museum and many other tourist destinations providing valuable assistance in their operation and recovery. Bob also headed the Central Tourism District for several years.Bob is survived by his children, Frances Bader and her husband Matt of Mont Vernon, NH, John David Bell, and his wife Tracy of Medford, NY and Robert Howard Bell and his wife Chris of Ballston Spa, NY; his grandchildren, Sarah Bader, Xanna Bader and Annie Bader and her partner Dee Barnwell, Matthew Bell and Lauren Bell and her partner Joe Thibault; his stepchildren, Kevin Davids and his wife Amy of Unionville, Heather Halvorsen and her husband Mike of Virginia, Thomas Daleb and his wife Candice of North Carolina, Keith Daleb and his wife Kathy of Windsor, and Rebecca Daleb and her partner Rob Pearce of Myrtle Beach, SC; his step-grandchildren, Carrie Morris and her husband Jon, Steve Davids and his wife Erin, Katelyn Blackburn and her husband Justin, and Ben Halvorsen, Caitlin Daleb and Samantha Massey and her husband Alex; his great-grandchildren, Xavier Barnwell, Alora Barnwell and Levi Morris; his sister, Drusilla Movizzo of The Villages, FL; his nephews, Paul Movizzo and his wife Deborah, and John Movizzo and his wife Julie, and his niece Chia Miller and her husband Joe and many grand nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his best friend, Mike Novak and his wife Denise of Windsor, and his beloved church family at First Church in Windsor.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Jane Daleb Bell, his daughter, Margaret Bell, and brother-in-law, John Movizzo.
Bob’s warmth, laughter, and love for family, friends, church, trains, and his community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ray’s memory to: The CT Society of Santas, PO Box 541, Bethlehem, CT 06751.
