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CORTLAND -- William Harold "Boots" Bell of Cortland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born Feb. 2, 1945, in Youngstown, Boots was the son of Harold and Helen Bell. He was raised in Hubbard, alongside his siblings, Doris, Thomas and Lois. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1963 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. A Vietnam War veteran, he carried the values of service, humility and quiet strength throughout his life. Following his military service, Boots worked at Packard Electric as a tool crib attendant, retiring in 2006.
On Feb. 3, 1973, he married the love of his life, Shirley Desenburg Bell. Together they built a life centered on family, faithfulness and unwavering devotion. Boots was the proud father of Brad (Denise), Lisa (John) and Amy (Jaime); and the cherished grandfather of Chloe (Joe), Peyton (Alex), Lily, Abram, Willa, Addison and Jaxson.
Anyone who knew Boots knew he was never one to seek attention or make a fuss. He lived with quiet strength, on his own terms, and in the same manner he left this world. Most importantly, he was a man whose happiness was measured not by what he had, but by the well-being of those he loved. If Shirley was happy, he would be happy. If his family was safe, healthy and doing well, he would be happy.
Known simply as "Boots" to everyone who loved him, he never met a stranger. Friends were easy to make, and once you knew him, you didn't call him Mr. Bell. You called him Boots. Always Boots. Only Boots.
Boots was known for his trademark dry humor, raspy laugh and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. Growing up, his children knew him as the fixer of all things, a master storyteller who could make anyone laugh and the steady presence who could always be counted on. He was an accomplished accordion player, a skilled tinkerer, an avid recycler and a devoted drinker of Pepsi and Milwaukee's Best Light. Whether helping a child, a friend, a neighbor, or a complete stranger, Boots was always willing to lend a hand.
More than anything, Boots was incredibly proud of his family. He adored Shirley and was fiercely loyal to her. He often said that if given the chance, he would marry her all over again. He rarely missed an opportunity to brag about his children and grandchildren and he never stopped telling people how proud he was of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Bell; his siblings, Thomas, Doris and Lois; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Swan-Bell.
No formal service will take place. The family welcomes notes of sympathy and, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Boots's family will forever miss his stories, his laughter, his wisdom and his steadfast presence. The hole his absence leaves in their hearts is immeasurable and while learning to move forward without him will take time, the love and memories he leaves behind will endure for generations.
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