Richard Allen Bell, McNasty Himself, passed on August 1st from pancreatic cancer at the age of 77. Husband, father,...
Posted by McNasty's on Monday, August 3, 2020
Bell was known in the community for great food, as well as his kindness and sense of humor. He liked to wear a McNasty’s T-shirt printed with a saying, “If I’d known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.”
For two decades, he operated McNasty’s Tavern, a Dayton hot spot known for live music, outdoor games and giant sandwiches called “Big SOBs.”
The McNasty’s food truck has been a fixture on Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton since 2012.
Office workers were often surprised when they returned to their desks with lunch from the truck to find Dick had secretly tucked potato salad or chips inside their bags.
Credit: DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Credit: DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
The couple planned to throw a goodbye party at the Rip Rap Road House, the historic barn where Dick founded the original McNasty’s tavern in 1976, but his failing health did not allow it.
“I’m giving him the party. He can’t be there, but we can still tell stories,” Cathy Bell said. “And trust me there are a lot of them out there.”
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m, at the Rip Rap Road House, 6024 Rip Rap Road in Dayton.
Bell served in the Marines and traveled the world with his wife, getting married 27 years ago at Angel Falls in Venezuela.
He has two sons, Richard Bell II and Craig Bell and five grandchildren.
Credit: DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Credit: DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
In his final days, Cathy said her husband was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support he received from the community.
Since his death, the McNasty’s Facebook page has been filled with tributes.
“RIP Dick,” wrote Michael Hyslope. “Dayton and all of us certainly lost an icon! Fly high, and we will all be hanging out again on the other side!”
“My heart ❤️ goes out to his family, but he made all of his customers feel like family, and he will be missed 😢,” wrote Alana Y. James.
“…I remember Dick fondly and how kind he was and how funny he was. He will always be a part of my memories…” wrote Chris Dee. “I will never forget him making a Nasty Mother for my Grandma and then dancing with her. He gave more to so many than he or you will never know. Thank you and peace to you.”
About the Author