Plattsburgh, NY - John L. Bell, age 93, an attorney and retired judge of the New York Court of Claims, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026. He was born on Oct. 25, 1932, in Altoona, Pa., the son of George F. Bell and Lillian M. Bell. Known to his family and friends as Jack, he is survived by his wife, Donna G. Bell, and his five children: John D. Bell of Brandon, Vt.; Eileen M. Bell of Germantown, Md. ; Mark D. Bell and Matthew H. (Kim) Bell of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and two grandchildren Hunter J. He later formed law partnerships Robinson, Lewis and Bell; Bell & Niles; and Bell, Niles and Peck.