Kevin Bell, 1958–2026, veteran and professor at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Kevin Michael Bell, of Waltham, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2026 at his home with his family by his side. He was 68.

Born in Bourne, Massachusetts on Feb. 22, 1958, Kevin was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Halligan) Bell. As the son of an Air Force family, he spent parts of his childhood living in Japan and Kansas before the family returned to the Boston area. He was raised in Dorchester and Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School.

Kevin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as an Air Cavalry Mechanic. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Martina Koch, a native of Germany. The couple married in Germany in 1980 and later settled in Brighton before moving to Waltham eight years ago.

Kevin found his true calling in education. After working as an HVAC technician, he became a professor and Department Head of the HVAC program at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, where he taught and inspired students for more than twenty years. A natural teacher who was outgoing and talkative, Kevin had the rare ability to make complex subjects understandable and enjoyable.

Kevin had a wide range of interests. He was an avid reader who loved history and science fiction. He played bass guitar and enjoyed jamming with friends while listening to classic rock. He also loved to travel and explored many destinations throughout Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to his beloved wife, Martina D. (Koch) Bell, Kevin leaves his son, Jason Bell, of Waltham. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas S. Bell.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Kevin’s life by gathering at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Burial with military honors in Bourne National Cemetery will be held at a later date.