August 3, 1940 – October 3, 2025
Paul Thomas Bella, age 85, of Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Kenosha on August 3, 1940, the son of the late Rudolph Sr. and Doris Bella. Paul grew up with a zest for life and an easy smile that made everyone feel welcome. He retired early from AMC/Chrysler, which allowed him to spend his days enjoying the things he loved most, like fishing, boating, golfing, attending car shows, watching the Green Bay Packers, playing cards, biking, swimming, and cruising on his Harley Davidson.
Paul’s love for good food, country music, and warm weather led him to embrace life to the fullest in Florida and Belize. He was known for his fun-loving spirit, boundless energy, and ability to bring joy to every gathering. Generous, funny, and thoughtful, Paul had a deep appreciation for faith, family, and friendship.
Among his many accomplishments, Paul earned his U.S. Merchant Marine License and, together with his son Jeff, started a successful charter fishing company on Lake Michigan. He also worked together with his son Jeff on Starting Bella Home Medical Rehab & Transportation Company, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and compassion for helping others.
Paul’s life was filled with treasured memories, his marriage to JoAnn, raising his three children and becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather, and enjoying his Golden years in Florida. After the passing of his first wife, JoAnn. Paul was blessed to find love again and share many joyful years with his beloved wife, Stella Bella. Paul especially loved the Christmas season, celebrating with his family and embracing every new adventure with joy and gratitude. Paul lived fully, loved deeply, and left this world better through his laughter, generosity, and the warmth of his presence. His family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with those who went before him and is smiling down on them from above.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Mary Estella Bella of (Florida); his sons, Paul (Dena) Bella of (Kenosha), Jeffery (Vicki Bella) of (Belize) and his daughter, Paula Molinaro of (Kenosha); his cherished grandchildren, Jason (Nicole) Molinaro, Nicole (Brandon) Paul, Kyle Bella, Jacob Bella and Ava Bella. He is further survived by his stepsiblings, Cherie (David) Spittlemeister and Rudy (Rhonda) Bella.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, JoAnn Bella; his parents, Rudolph Sr. and Doris Bella; his son-in-law, Charles Molinar; and his stepmother, Arlene Ehlert.
Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Rd., Kenosha, WI.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Paul’s memory to a charity of choice.
The family invites all who knew Paul to join them in honoring his life and legacy during these services. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were privileged to know him.
May he rest in eternal peace.
