Obituary of Ian C. Bell

Ian C. Bell, 94, of Florham Park, NJ passed away peacefully on December 2, 2023 at his home.  Ian was born on May 26, 1929 in Flushing, New York to Constance Garden and Charles W. A. Bell of Endinburgh and Dolbeattie, Scotland, respectively.  He spent his early and formative years in East Orange, NJ progressing through that city’s school system.  As a youth, he was very proud of having met all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout at the age of 13½. 

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Lehigh University in 1951, majoring in Finance.  Drafted into the US Army in that year, Ian served in Korea for 16 months.  Upon returning to the US, Ian worked in the Controller’s department of Esso Standard Oil Company for five years during which time he received an MBA degree from Rutgers University and from there joined EBS Management Consultants, NYC for six years.

He had a broad and diversified financial career involving accounting, auditing, economics and investment research, financial analysis and management.  He was a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 25 years of experience in securities analysis and portfolio management, including service with Fidelity United Trust Co as a trust officer, The American Re-Insurance Co., Lazard Freres, and Vice President with Merrill Lynch Capital Markets.  His professional affiliations included the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, the Financial Analysts Federation and the New York Society of Securities Analysts.

Ian was married in 1958 to Virginia Anne Thomson of Glen Ridge, NJ who prematurely passed away in 1976.  They had two daughters; Patricia Hall and Sandra Cantrell, both of Whippany, NJ.  He was predeceased by his parents, and subsequently, his brother, Robin James Bell.

He is survived by his second wife, Jane Rooney Zibold-Bell whom he married in 1982, with Jane having two children, Heidi Zibold Catalano of Westwood, NJ and Gregory Zibold of Sturbridge, MA.  Ian and Jane have a combined number of 12 grandchildren.

Having lived in Florham Park since 1960, Ian, in retirement, was a lifelong reader and a familiar face in the libraries of Florham Park, Madison, and Morris County, NJ.  He was an avid lifetime golfer, and in later years developed an interest in national politics.  He was a great father and devoted husband, blessed with an excellent sense of humor.  He had a wonderful life and loving family and will be missed by many. 

Family and Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home located at 106 Main Street Madison, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, and for those so inclined, please send memorial donations to The Wounded Warriors Project or Florham Park Library.