May 24, 1927 - November 28, 2010
 

Richard S. DeBell, of 4 Crescent Beach Drive, Enfield, died November 28, 2010 at the age of 83. Richard, formerly of Somers, was predeceased by his parents, John M. and Emma (Dewey) DeBell, his sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hall Fitt, and his brothers, John, Jr., Fred, and David.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; his son, Jeffrey of Spring Hill, KS; his two daughters, Allison Westpfahl of NC and Emma, of Seattle; Jeffrey’s wife, Melanie and her two sons, Brogan and Adam; and Sara DeBell and her husband, Ben Grossblatt and their son, August, of Seattle, WA.

Richard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War as an officer gunman on the USS Laffey.

He graduated from MIT and Western New England College School of Law. He was employed by D&R in the plastic industry and at Package Machinery in East Longmeadow in Product Liability. He was active in community affairs in Somers and Enfield. He loved outdoor wood work and was a friend to dogs.

He has numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews all over the United States, as well as a great grandson, Teddy Westphal. Richard’s death was caused by Lewy Body Dementia and a fall. In lieu of flowers donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Crescent Lake Tax District, 22 Crescent Beach, Enfield, CT 06082 to create a local history.

A memorial service will be held after the holidays for friends and neighbors.

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