Fell

Bernard “Bernie” J. Fell, 93, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband and soul mate of Shirley L. Fell for 63 years prior to her passing in March 2021. Bernie spent the last seven years of Shirley’s life caring for her as she struggled with Alzheimer’s.

Bernie was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Benjamin and Bonita (Crosby) Fell.

He attended Zanesville High School and Miami University and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in engineering. On Nov. 23, 1957, he married Shirley Reitz; they raised four children. The couple also hosted several international exchange students through the American Field Service (AFS), including Aury Tovar, Sissel Vollan and Annika Abrahamson.

It is hard to sum up Bernie’s life in a few paragraphs. Bernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for his leadership, devotion to service, selflessness and generosity to others. Bernie chaired many committees and taught Sunday school at Ingomar United Methodist Church (UMC), Mars UMC and St. John’s UMC.

He served as township supervisor of Middlesex Township for twelve years. Bernie also served in the Marines during the Korean conflict.

Bernie was a hard worker who was willing to help anyone who needed assistance. He was quiet at times, but his eyes would sparkle and he would have a slight smile while observing his family playing a board game, swimming in the river at their cottage or sitting around the dinner table talking and laughing.

Bernie loved to travel and camp with his wife and family. Bernie and his wife were blessed with many enjoyable years of camping with Bernie’s twin brother and sister-in-law all over the United States. Besides traveling, Bernie’s other love was football. He cheered for the Buckeyes and Steelers! Bernie never missed an Ohio State football game on TV and was a Pittsburgh Steelers season ticket holder for more than 50 years. Bernie leaves a huge hole that can never be filled in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Bernie is survived by his children, Debby (Luke) Fritz of Valencia, Lisa (Andrew) Ecklund of Coatesville, Pa., Brian (Antonie) Fell of Butler and Scott Fell of Tionesta, Pa.; six grandchildren, Meghan (Ian) Capcara, Matthew Fritz, Emily Ecklund, Luigi Fell, William Fell and Sophie Fell; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was proceeded in death by his parents; his brothers, John Fell, Jerry Fell, Carl Fell and J. Fell; and his twin brother, Bob Fell.

FELL — Friends and family of Bernard “Bernie” J. Fell, who died Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER OF CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Services will be held at noon Friday at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 244 Hallston Road, Slippery Rock. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to improve the trails at Jennings Nature Reserve, where Bernie loved to walk. Make checks payable to 3MJC and mail to 3MJC c/o Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051. Please note on the check it is in memory of Bernie Fell and to be used at Jennings Park.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.