Cleveland Gilbert Bell

Cleveland Gilbert Bell, known affectionately by close friends and family as "Pinoke" was born on April 11, 1954 at St. Peter's Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ.  He departed this life on August 5, 2025, at the age of 71.

Cleveland is the oldest of four sons, born to Cleveland and Katie Bell.

He was educated in the South River, NJ, public school system.  Cleveland was a graduating member of the Class of 1972.

During his tenure in South River, Cleveland participated in local sports programs. He played baseball in the John F. Kennedy baseball league and was a member of the South River High School Cross country team. 

Additionally, Cleveland was a Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 66, Boy Scouts of America.  He was also an active participant and member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of South River, NJ, where he was baptized in 1970.

Cleveland found employment with the Bell Telephone system as a cable splicer.  To further enhance his knowledge of Telephone systems, Cleveland enlisted in the US Army Reserves, as a Communications Specialist.  Achieving the rank of Specialist 4th Class, he received an Honorable Discharge

Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Katie Bell, and his younger brother Kim.

He leaves to mourn his Brother Rance and his partner Rose; his brother Kevin and his wife Brenda. His son Mark; daughter Michelle and her husband Justin; daughter Coty Funnye, and her husband Alonzo; son Joshuah and his wife Amanda, and daughter Jill and her husband Andy, and his longtime partner Rebecca Bryson.  Along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.