On November 5, 2024, we lost a beloved member of the Pelham Community, Richard Altobelli, at 93 years old. Known as Richie Bell, this kind, compassionate, dedicated, generous man was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and devoted friend. Kind, compassionate, dedicated, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Richard died peacefully at Calvary Hospital with his family by his side.
Born on March 13, 1931, Richard was the son of the late Dominick and Domenica (Del Peschi) Altobelli. From a very young age, his parents instilled the value of faith, family and hard work to succeed. He continued to carry that message throughout his life.
Family, friends and the Pelham Community were most important to Richard.
Richie loved sports and while attending Pelham Memorial High School, he played football, basketball and baseball. He was an outstanding athlete.
His love of sports inspired him to coach many teams for children, men and women. He is most proud of his men’s softball team, Pelham Produce, that he sponsored for the past 70 years. More importantly, they were undefeated for most of those years!
Richard loved the Pelham Community. 72 years ago, he was the founder of the Pelham Little League and the town named a field in his honor, the Richie Bell Field located at Glover Field. He also served as the recreation chairman, where he began various programs for the disabled children and the senior citizens. He volunteered for many organizations and gave selflessly to his community, and everyone he came in contact with.
Richard was in the United States Air Force and served his country in the Korean War. He was a proud Veteran. He marched every year in the Memorial Day Parade and was the Grand Marshal of the parade in 2021.
While swimming at Wilson Woods Pool, he met the love of his life, Joan. They were married on September 14,1952 and were blessed with 67 years of marriage. Together they raised their 3 children in Pelham.
Richard was a well-known and well-loved business owner in town and was the proprietor of Pelham Produce and Village Wine. He also owned the Altobelli Family Farm in upstate New York, where he would go most weekends to see his family. You would always find him in the barn packing tomatoes, apples and other produce. He always said he owned a farm but he was not a farmer.
Richie Bell, a member of the greatest generation, not only protected his country but he served his family as a model of resiliency, strength, courage and unconditional love.
He is survived by his children Lois (Benjamin) Soccodato, John (Rebecca) Altobelli, his grandchildren Nicholas (Tina) Altobelli, Richard Altobelli III, Samantha (Jamie) Bottomly, Amy (Raymond) Downs, Amanda (Cody) Williams, and Anthony Altobelli. The joy of his life was his great-grandchildren Raymond, Charlotte, Emma and Noah.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan (Weisgerber) Altobelli, and his son Richard Altobelli Jr.
You often could see Richie Bell sitting in front of his store on Fifth Avenue greeting everyone that walked by with a warm smile and sincere conversation. He was the unofficial mayor of Pelham. If he was not at his store, you could find him at the Richie Bell Field watching his great grandchildren play baseball.
Richard was a true legend and he leaves a legacy of hard work, honesty and determination that has inspired all who knew him. Richard’s family and friends are devastated at this loss, but know heaven has gained a wonderful angel.
A celebration of Richie’s life will be held at Pelham Funeral Home, located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Monday, November 11, from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Tuesday, November 12, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.
