EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — A long-time friend of President Biden and a local Lackawanna County native has died.
81-year-old Thomas Bell Senior died on Wednesday at his Waverly Township home.
Born almost two months after President Biden, the two grew up three blocks apart from each other when the president lived in Scranton and sat next to each other in several classes in school.
In a statement released by the White House, Biden recalled fond memories of the two's friendship.
Bell would attend many weddings funerals and campaign rallies Biden held.
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Biden's statement said in part the following.
"Tommy took genuine pride in the success of his family, community, and our nation. He returned love with boundless loyalty. He was a man of honor, decency, and grace. A man of utmost character."
Bell was an insurance agent in Scranton who also served in the National Guard.
His funeral will be held this Friday at Saint Paul's church.
