Obituaries: Richard Bell

  • by BAR staff
  • Wednesday February 23, 2022
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Richard Bell
Richard Bell

November 16, 1949 — February 12, 2022

Richard Bell passed away on February 12, 2022 as a result of a massive heart attack. He is survived by his loving partner and husband of 30 years, Stephen Hein; by his brothers Patrick and Thomas Giorgilli; his niece Ashley Giorgilli; and hundreds of friends. Richard was a voracious reader and prized his extensive library as well as his collection of over a thousand statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Richard had a long history of working in social services, focusing on child welfare in San Francisco, Solano County, and Davis. In 2015, Richard retired from Contra Costa County as the division manager for Child Welfare Services.

Richard was active in groups that focused on social, racial, and LGBTQ+ issues for over 50 years, including El Cerrito Progressives, Extinction Rebellion, Building Blocks for Kids, Family and Children's Trust Committee, Richmond Rainbow Pride, Rainbow Community Center, Enola Gay Faggot Affinity Group, and Livermore Action Group. If there was a demonstration, it is likely that Richard was there.

He was a great man.

Donations can be made to Building Blocks for Kids in Richmond, California. Hit the donate button, scroll through the list of options, and select Building Blocks for Kids.

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