Paul T. Bella
August 3, 1940 -
October 3, 2025
Paul Thomas Bella, age 85, of Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Kenosha on August 3, 1940, the son of the late Rudolph Sr. and Doris Bella. Paul grew up with a zest for life and an easy smile that made everyone feel welcome. He retired early from AMC/Chrysler, which allowed him to spend his days enjoying the things he loved most like fishing, boating, golfing, attending car shows, watching the Green Bay Packers, playing cards, biking, swimming, and cruising on his Harley Davidson.
Paul's love for good food, country music, and warm weather led him to embrace life to the fullest in Florida and Belize. He was known for his fun-loving spirit, boundless energy, and ability to bring joy to every gathering. Generous, funny, and thoughtful, Paul had a deep appreciation for faith, family, friendship.
Among his many accomplishments, Paul earned his U.S. Merchant Marine License and together with his son Jeff, started a successful charter fishing company on Lake Michigan. He also worked together with his son Jeff on Starting Bella Home Medical Rehab & Transportation Company, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and compassion for helping others.
Paul's life was filled with treasured memories, his marriage to JoAnn, raising his three children and becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather and enjoying his Golden years in Florida. After the passing of his first wife, JoAnn. Paul was blessed to find love again and share many joyful years with his beloved wife, Stella Bella. Paul especially loved the Christmas season, celebrating with his family and embracing every new adventure with joy and gratitude. Paul lived fully, loved deeply, and left this world better through his laughter, generosity, and the warmth of his presence. His family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with those who went before him and is smiling down on them from above.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Mary Estella Bella of (Florida); his sons, Paul (Dena) Bella of (Kenosha), Jeffery (Vicki) Bella of (Belize) and his daughter, Paula Molinaro of (Kenosha); his cherished grandchildren, Jason (Nicole) Molinaro, Nicole (Brandon) Paul, Kyle Bella, Jacob Bella and Ava Bella; his precious great-grandchildren, Carson Molinaro, Carter Molinaro, Levi Paul, McKenna Paul and Parker Paul. He is further survived by his stepsiblings Cherie (David) Spittlemeister and Rudy (Rhonda) Bella.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, JoAnn Bella; his parents, Rudolph Sr. and Doris Bella; his son-in-law, Charles Molinaro and his stepmother, Arlene Ehlert.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Paul's memory to a charity of choice.
The family invites all who knew Paul to join them in honoring his life and legacy during these services. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were privileged to know him.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Craig and Dr. John Ameen for all of their care and support. In addition, the family would also like to thank HPH Hospice (Team Onyx) for the compassionate, kind, and loving care they provided Paul.
May he rest in eternal peace.
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Posted by:
Mary Ann CooganPosted on:
October 11, 2025Such a loss of a very inspirational, always on the go kinda guy! Never seen anyone of Paul's age with such energy and spirit behind all he did. From helping Stella with home landscaping, to neighbors landscaping, to bike riding, to painting homes, to golfing, followed up with line dancing the same day. He truly lived each day to its fullest and fought his battle with cancer fiercely. Just an amazing man that will remain in all of our hearts. Prayers and blessings to Paul's entire family in all the days ahead. He lived life on his terms and proudly so. God Bless.
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Jill and HaydenPosted on:
October 11, 2025Mr. Paul was our favorite skipper. We have such amazing memories of our fishing trips on Lake Michigan together. We are so sorry to learn of his passing. Thoughts and prayers. Love- Jill and Hayden
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David and Karen GayPosted on:
October 9, 2025Paul leaves behind so many friends and loved ones. We will never forget his energy and kindness. We couldn’t believe a man in his eighties could work with his step sons to completely paint the inside of our house in less than a week and still have time for an evening out. He always offered to come over and help us with our house. We’re going to miss this wonderful man and know that he has a place in heaven for all his good works.
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Jo and Tony MansoloPosted on:
October 9, 2025God Bless your family always.
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Bert GalleyPosted on:
October 9, 2025Paula,I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet dad. I remember him from POA. He always had a huge smile and a kind word.
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David DennyPosted on:
October 9, 2025Paul was a weekly golfing buddy of mine for over 2 years. He was one of the first friends I meet when I moved to the Spring Hill Florida area. We spent time golfing , going to dinner, and enjoying many social events. He was always so full of energy and was ready to try new adventures when it was presented to him. He and I even went Bow Fishing together Even though he was 15 years older than I, his love for life kept him embracing life’s adventures to fullest. On his last day he was able to play golf, he was tired. I tried to tell him to slow down and rest a few holes but he kept forcing him self to complete the 18 holes of Golf. On that day, He made a par on #18 hole ( a par 5 hole over water). He had never accomplished that during our two years of playing together. He was so happy and proud of himself and I was great full to have shared that with him. That was the last time he was able to play golf. Thanks to the golfing gods for allowing him to have this small but meaningful moment. Paul you will truly be missed by many people who have known you. I will always remember your kindness, friendship, and your strength for life. My condolences to all the family during this difficult time, just remember Paul is still enjoying life through the memories he left behind.
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Sandy & Jeff BrooksPosted on:
October 9, 2025While Jeff and I mourn the loss of a good friend we must also celebrate the life he lived. He was the strongest man we ever met. He lived each day to the fullest. He never let his age stop him from trying and enjoying the things he loved. His heart was young and full of love and life. We will always remember the times we spent together, from late night cards, parties at our houses, and meeting at our fence. If you called, Paul came. He was the best. Rest in peace my friend
