Russel Bello

Russel James Bello, Jr., passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 86 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 26, 1938, in his grandfather's sharecropper's home in Edgerly, Louisiana, where Doctor A. H. Forman birthed him. Russel was raised in Vinton, Louisiana, and lived there until 1967 when he moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he continued to reside.

He was a proud graduating member of the Vinton High School class of 1957. After graduating from high school he went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in Church History from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, and then graduated from LSU School of Social Work with a Master's Degree. Russel worked 28 years in the Louisiana substance abuse program. After retiring from that program, he returned to work in the private industry working in the hospice program for 9 years.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Christ the King Catholic Church, serving many years bringing communion to the home bound. He also served in the choir and funeral choir.

Russel is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Linda Robinson Bello; his sister, Sister Marilyn Bello, SSJ; his daughter Kimberly Wisdom (Anthony), his granddaughter Grace Wisdom, his grandson Garret Wisdom; his stepson Jamie Robinson (Natalie), his stepdaughter Karen Williams (Mike), his stepson Scotty Robinson; his step grandchildren Devin, Dylan, Jesse, Bailee, Jake, and Colby; and seven step great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russel James Bello, Sr., and Elisabeth Schmidt Bello of Vinton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, April 25, in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church with Father Joshua Page serving as Celebrant. Interment will follow after mass in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, 4321 Lake St., on Thursday, April 24, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with rosary at 6:30 pm, and on Friday, April 25, from 9:00 am until leaving in procession to the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 7680 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles, LA, 70607.