Vincent ‘Vinnie’ L. Bell: Animator and artist

Vincent “Vinnie” L. Bell, 89, died in his home Jan. 31, 2021.

He was born Oct. 27, 1931, the second of four sons of Vincenzo Iacobelli and Marie (DiDonato) Iacobelli.

Mr. Bell was a lifelong resident of Port Chester and graduated from Port Chester schools.

He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a map artist in Germany from 1952-1954.

Although he had no formal training, he was a gifted artist and made a career as an animator.

His professional life began with Terrytoons where he worked along with other artists to create Mighty Mouse and Heckle and Jeckle and also worked for Hannah Barbera.

As a commercial artist, he animated Tony the Tiger, The Cheerios Bee, and the Michelin Tire Man.

In his freelance work, he animated several Academy Award-nominated animated short films including “The Old Man and The Flower" and his favorite, "The Jazz Musician.”

Mr. Bell also worked on notable cartoons, such as School House Rock, The Berenstain Bears, Lizzie McGuire, Strawberry Shortcake and short features on Saturday Night Live, to name a few.

He continued to animate well into his 80s and would show his works at local art exhibitions.

He was a lover of music and played the piano, sang, and arranged music.

He was a proud member of the acapella musical group The Gadabouts and enjoyed performing with many musical theater groups and friends in Port Chester.

He arranged the music for other musical groups he joined later in his life—The Port Chester Council for the Arts Castle Chorus, the Federico Singers and the Musical Commuters.

Mr. Bell is survived by his children Scott, Stephen (Lisa) and Leslie and three grandchildren: Julia, Emily and Liam and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Michael, Anthony and John.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at St. Paul RC Church, 84 Sherwood Ave., Greenwich, Ct. followed by interment was at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.craftmemorialhome.com