Donald (Don) Richard Bella, 90, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on October 22, 2022, of natural causes.

An Honor Guard burial with full military honors will be held at 11 am October 28, 2022 at Black Hills National Cemetery with a reception to immediately follow at Loud American Roadhouse (Sturgis).

Don was born in Reading, MA on September 1, 1932 to Mary and Samuel Bella. After graduating from Reading High School as a football star and accomplished musician, he chose a career in the military and served proudly for 22 years. He retired as a Master Sergeant in charge of the 44 ^th Missile Maintenance at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

While serving overseas, Don met and married his first wife and mother of his six children, Anne Marie Roland, in Void, France. Upon returning to the states, while in Massachusetts, they welcomed their first two children.  After being stationed in Lompoc, CA, three more children were joyfully received and loved. Don's final reassignment and place of retirement, was Rapid City, SD where they were blessed with their final child.

In 2004, Don married the love of his life, Roberta (Bobbi) Swenson who was a friend and partner for many years prior. Don's family grew when they welcomed her two children from a previous marriage. They were married for five short years due to her untimely death in 2009.

Upon his retirement, Don continued his mechanical expertise at JD Evans while also working part-time at Shakey's Pizza as a way to feed his many children. After decades of being a mechanic, Don and Bobbi became the owners of Wolff's Bargain Den. After selling the business, he chose to work at Menard's well into his 80s.  He had many hobbies and interests. His over 40 years of service to the Rapid City Metro Lion's Club was of great pride for him. He also had a special love of cars, especially his baby blue 1962 T-Bird. However his driving force was always his family.

Don is survived by his children and their families: Karen and Joseph Thode (Lucas) Omaha, NE; Kenny and Lisa Bella (Linda, John, Monica, Jeannette, and Ryan); Kathy Bella and Craig Patterson, Sante Fe, NM; Kim Bella and Stephan Martin (Nathaniel), Asheville, NC; Robin Bella (Kaine and Kierra), Portland, OR; Kris Bella and Pete Fennell (Gabriel), Portland, OR; Misty and Wayne Huggett (Josh, Nick, and Shannon), Sturgis, SD; Lori and Frank Loveridge (Haley and Christopher) Crittenden, Kentucky; and many great grandchildren, other extended family and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his two wives, his parents, his brother Joe Bella and sister Maryann Tropeano, and his son Keith Bella. He was also proceeded in death by his grandson Kelly Bella and his great granddaughter Phibie Moyer.

In lieu of flowers, please forward memorials to Veterans Affairs in Don's name.

We will all miss his warmth and wicked sense of humor.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.  A procession will depart from Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m.