Frank H. Bell, Sr., 74, of Essex Junction, passed away on June 10, 2026 surrounded by a number of loved ones after a short decline in health.

Frank was born in Burlington, VT on November 26, 1951 to Frank S. Bell and Florence (Fields) Bell. When he turned 17, he joined the Marine Corps. While at boot camp, he went through sniper training school. When he turned 18, he was sent to Vietnam. He once stated he was not so scared of the enemy when he learned there were tigers in the jungle. Frank served for 7 years in the Corps.

When he returned home to Winooski, VT, he went to Champlain College to study law enforcement and after going to the police academy, he served in the Winooski and Milton Police Departments for 11 years.

Frank was an avid scuba diver and decided to leave law enforcement for a little more adventurous job. He and his close friend Kip, went to work for the former Ran Dive Company out of New Jersey. Never one to stop serving his country, Frank came back to Vermont and joined the VT Army National Guard and served for 13 years. Sadly, he had to retire as Agent Orange gradually caused him to lose his sight. At the time of his passing, he had only one percent of his vision.

He was presented a flag from the Essex High School Air Force Junior ROTC, which had flown over the school in his honor on February 6, 2014.

Frank volunteered for many organizations. He was a member of the honor guard at Camp Johnson. He will be honored just as he had honored his fellow service members. It would be remiss not to mention that Frank had the greatest honor to be one of the soldiers who guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

Frank is survived by his fourth wife of 28 years, Ellen A. Billado Bell; sons, Frank Bell, Jr., Joe Bell, David "Otter" Laney, Damien Laney and wife Christine; his daughter Ashley Lafromboise and wife Jessica; his grandchildren, Sammi, Adrian, Micheele, Alex, MaKayla, Tony, Marlee, Jax, Autumn, Carter, Jasmine, Nathaniel, Lydia, Addaline, Erick, Mia, Una, and great-granddaughter Lily. He is also survived by his brother, Ken Bell; his sisters, Mary, Barb, Ruthie, and Star, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Frank was predeceased by his parents, his loving stepmother Rachael Bell, his son Stephen Bell, his daughter Michelle Noask, and by his brothers Richard, Norman, and Robert Bell.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 23, from 5pm-7pm at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at 9:00am at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.