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'What a life' priest says about late mayor

Father John Civille officiates the funeral of former Middletown Mayor Bob Wells Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Woodside Mausoleum in Middletown.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Father John Civille officiates the funeral of former Middletown Mayor Bob Wells Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Woodside Mausoleum in Middletown.

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 8:22 AM Friday, July 10, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — Former Mayor Robert “Bob” Wells was laid to rest Thursday, July 9, at Woodside Cemetery’s mausoleum with military honors.

Wells, 76, died at his Fisher Avenue home Sunday, July 5, after working in the yard. He had had a history of heart problems and had been released from the hospital just more than a week ago.

During Thursday’s short prayer service attended by several dozen mourners, the Rev. John Civille, pastor of Holy Family Parish, described Wells’ life as “something out of storybook ... What a life.”

Wells was remembered as a Korean War veteran and tireless volunteer and cheerleader for Middletown who was busier as a retiree than he was during his long broadcasting career that started in the early days of television in Cincinnati and Dayton.

Wells directed or produced regional television programs such as “Midwestern Hayride,” “The Paul Dixon Show,” “Ruth Lyons 50/50 Club,” “The Bob Braun Bandstand” and “Peter Grant News.”

He also was active in many of the city’s civic organizations, Civille said.

While Wells gave much of his time, talent and treasure to the community, Civille also praised the former mayor’s great love for his wife, Nancy, and their children.

“We have a great role model for all of us,” Civille said. “He kept on giving ... serving the city he loved.”

Wells, who served as a member of Middletown City Council and as the vice mayor and mayor for seven years, brought “by all accounts a high standard” as a public servant, Civille said.

He said good people have to be willing to run for public office to make a good community.

“Bob was an example and we’re all grateful for that,” Civille said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.

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