Buddy F. E. Bell

Buddy Frank Eugene Bell

Buddy Frank Eugene Bell, 88, passed away on July 14, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Buddy was born on January 3, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Frank and Bernadine Bell. He attended the University of Wisconsin on a track scholarship, competing as a hurdler, and graduated with degrees in Accounting and Agricultural Economics. While at Wisconsin, Buddy met Barbara Ann Wendt. The two married on October 1, 1960, and built a life and family together until Barbara's death in 1998. After serving his country in the United States Army, Buddy began a long and successful career in the steel industry with American Steel Foundries. His career took him from Chicago to Alliance, Ohio, and back to Chicago, where he ultimately served as Assistant Vice President of Manufacturing. In 1981, Buddy moved to Pittsburgh and became President of McConway & Torley, a steel manufacturer serving the railway industry. He later became Chairman and led the purchase of the company from its parent organization through an Employee Stock Ownership Program. When the company was sold in 1998, the employee ownership program Buddy helped create allowed many longtime employees and their families to share in the company's success—a professional legacy of which he was especially proud. Following retirement and Barbara's death, Buddy moved to Sun City, Arizona, to be closer to his parents and siblings. There, he enjoyed golf, traveled with friends and family, and built lasting friendships in the Sun City community. He was fortunate to share many years with his longtime partner, Rose Andricik, whose love,companionship, and care were an important part of his life, particularly in his later years. Buddy returned to Pittsburgh full time in 2020. Buddy is survived by Rose; his three children, Scott (Pam), Lauri Amy (Pete), and Mark (Paula); nine grandchildren, Shannon Madison (Chris), Blake, Erin Bowers (Graham), Adam, Brett (Randy), Colin, Abby Judd (Westen), Josh (Jayne), and Chloe; and four great-grandchildren, Hannah, Noah, Caleb, and Grayson. Family was central to Buddy's life. He began a tradition of taking his grandchildren to Europe when they turned 14, giving them not simply a trip, but an experience and memories that would remain with them for a lifetime. Buddy loved golf, although anyone who saw his swing might have questioned exactly how he managed to record two holes-in-one. He was patient, thoughtful, and a trusted sounding board when it mattered most. He did not always need many words to make his point, and those who knew him best understood the wisdom, pride, and love behind them. Buddy understood his strengths and his weaknesses and surrounded himself, both professionally and personally, with people whose gifts complemented his own. He used the talents God gave him well, and his influence can be seen in the family he loved, the people he led, and the lives he touched. The world is a better place because Buddy Frank Eugene Bell was in it. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27th at 11 a.m. at Ingomar United Methodist Church with the service beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations in his name to National MS Society or International Rett Syndrome Foundation, (IRSF).