Amherst , MA – Ronald E. Bell, 87, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst.
Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Ron received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Michigan. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, he had the unique opportunity to tour the USSR, Eastern Europe and the Middle East with the university’s symphony band. The experience sparked a lifelong love of exploring different places and cultures.
After graduating, Ron joined the Peace Corps and served for three years in Ethiopia, where he met and married Liz, also a volunteer. The couple later moved to Washington, D.C., where Ron oversaw Peace Corps programs in various African countries.
Ron and Liz eventually relocated to Hatfield and later Amherst. Ron received his Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts and was assistant superintendent of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District for some 30 years, retiring in 2003. He also served on several local boards and committees over the years, including the Personnel Board for the Town of Amherst and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Breakfast Scholarship Committee, among others.
A trumpet and cornet player, Ron’s first love was music. Until a stroke in 2001, he regularly played with the Pioneer Valley Symphony, Valley Light Opera, Amherst Community Band and many other ensembles. He also lent his talents to events such as high school musicals, church services and weddings, and was a staunch advocate for music in the Amherst public schools.
Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Elizabeth A. (Beckman) Bell, and son Jonathan Bell, both of Amherst; daughter Christine Bell (Kurt Barbuscio) of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; brother Thomas J. Bell (Mary) of Adrian, Michigan; nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Jay and Mary (MacDonald) Bell.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley, where Ron was a member. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amherst Regional School District music program (contact the family for details), Pioneer Valley Symphony or Wesley United Methodist Church Faith in Action Fund Drive.
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