Jason Bell, 51, died peacefully in his sleep on April 7, 2026.

Born in Denville, New Jersey, Jason was the quintessential “big brother”—loving, protective, fun and eager to teach everything he knew to his adoring younger siblings Desireé, Joseph and Kyle. Gratefully, they will each carry his light forward in their own lives.

Jason was a graduate of Newton High School, where his intelligence, athleticism, kindness and loving heart made him one of the most popular students on campus and inspired his classmates to vote him Homecoming King.

Fascinated by the workings of government, commerce and global history, Jason went on to major in political science and minor in economics at Rutgers University, where he graduated with the highest honors. Throughout his school years and for the rest of his life, Jason enjoyed countless adventures and laughs with many friends, including Brian Uszenski, Josh Hillman and Harry Hatz.

Active in his fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma, he was always deeply inspired by education and developed a lifelong habit of encouraging his friends and family to keep learning and asking questions about the world around them.

Blessed with an entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit, Jason embarked on the next chapter of his life after college: joining forces with a few friends to open their own Italian restaurants. Those who experienced their delicious cooking and warm hospitality will never forget them.

At his local gym, Jason developed a crush on a beautiful woman from Peru, Maria Cueto, although it took him a few visits to work up the courage to ask her out. Jason and his entire family immediately adored Maria. Married five years later, Jason and Maria settled in Hillsborough and welcomed two sons, Matthew and Justin. Those who knew him can still remember how proud beyond words Jason was to take on the greatest role of his life: becoming a dad.

Supporting Maria in her nursing career and his sons at every event that arose, Jason did everything he could to be there for them and to help with anything they needed. Ultimately, Jason found the greatest joy in bringing his loved ones together to enjoy unforgettable meals and memories he made possible.

Everyone who knew him will miss Jason deeply, including his marathon phone calls to check in and chat about every aspect of life, his love of music (especially 1990s hip-hop and R&B) and his unwavering devotion to the New York Mets and Giants, no matter their records.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful grandmothers Desireé D’Esposito and Victoria Bell and his cherished parents Joseph Jr. and Desireé D’Esposito Bell.

Holding Jason forever in their hearts are his beloved wife of 20 years, Maria Bell; his adored children Matthew and Justin; his loving siblings Desireé Carricato and husband Joseph, Joseph Bell III and partner Jonathan Riggs, Kyle Mazzei and wife Andrea, and bonus sister Sara DiMinno and wife Alexandra; his devoted grandmother Barbara Scacciaferro; his dear parents Louis J. and Renee Mazzei; his wonderful in-laws Felix and Gloria Cueto, Rogelio Cueto, Esmeralda and Barry Reed, and Felix and Jillian Cueto; and his treasured nieces and nephews Desireé (DeDe), Natalia, Aiden, Emma Rose, Hannah, Jake, Andrew, Lucas and Olivia.

Although Jason’s extended family and friends are too numerous to mention in full, their importance in his life and his enduring love for them cannot be overstated.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Prayer Service will begin at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Donate Online.