John R.Bell of 304 Baltimore St.;Belle Vernon;died Thursday;Sept.15;1983;at 6:40 a.m.in the Waddington Nursing Home.  He was 78.  Mr.Bell was born Sept.26;1904;in Belle Vernon;a son of the late Robert and Pearl Baldwin Bell.  He was a member of the Belle Vernon American Legion;the VFW of Ebensburg and the Carpenters Union.  Mr.Bell had been a self-employed general contractor.  He served in the U.S.Navy during World War II as a chief petty officer.  Survivors include his widow;Dorothy Gillingham Bell;one daughter;Mrs.LLoyd (Betty) Lazzari of Belle Vernon;one son;Fritzie Frazier of Belle Vernon;four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  There will be no public visitation and funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery.  If they wish;friends may make memorial contributions to their favorite charity.  The Shelby D.Ferguson Funeral Home;Belle Vernon;is handling arrangements.