Gilbert Nelson Bell II

Gilbert Nelson Bell II, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud United States Marine, gifted craftsman, and lifelong adventurer, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 75. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by integrity, curiosity, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people, animals, and places that mattered most to him.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Gil spent his early years in Norwalk and Southport, Connecticut, before later raising his family in Monroe and Easton, Connecticut.

He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970, attaining the rank of Corporal. An infantry rifleman with MOS 0311, he served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. As reflected in his service, he exuded a lifelong sense of responsibility, brotherhood, and quiet pride that shaped the way he moved through the world.

A master craftsman in woodworking, Gil had a rare ability to see potential where others saw only raw material. He honed his craft through his work at Gunther Mills in the 1980’s, and later through his own woodworking business, where his skill, care, and attention to detail became his signature. Many of his handcrafted pieces, timeless and thoughtfully made, continue to be treasured throughout Connecticut and New York in the homes of family, friends, and neighbors.

He was a beloved member of Danbury HOG (Harley Owners Group) and found great joy in traveling the country on his Harley. The open road suited him well, reflecting both his adventurous spirit and his enduring love for this country.

Gil had a gift for making people feel noticed and at ease. He noticed you. He listened. And if the moment called for it, he would also call you out, with his quick wit and playful candor that somehow made you feel even more included. As evidence of his innate goodness, animals were naturally drawn to him, and throughout his life he shared a special and gentle connection with both cats and dogs.

Above all, Gil was deeply devoted to his family. He was a dedicated husband to Janice of Easton, CT, with whom he shared over 40 years of marriage. He was a loving father to Stephanie Gulati of Brooklyn, NY, and her husband Maneesh Gulati, and to Sarah Bell of Milford, CT. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to Ziya Gulati.

Gil will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his kindness, his humor, and his steady presence. His legacy lives on in the things he built, the roads he traveled, the animals he loved, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut. Friends and family are invited to gather afterward at Old Post Tavern to share memories and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, which provided exceptional care to Gil for many years. Donations may be made in his honor at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675/