Roseland Remembers Former Mayor Lou DeBell

The Borough of Roseland, NJ offers its sincere condolences to the family of longtime resident and former Roseland Mayor, Louis DeBell. In Mayor DeBell’s honor, the flag has been lowered to half staff and memorial bunting has been hung from Borough Hall.

“Mayor DeBell’s dedication and commitment to the people of Roseland is one of the reasons Roseland is the great place it is to live today. Serving 16 years as Mayor and remaining active in our community after leaving office, Mayor DeBell left his positive imprint on our community that will resonate for generations to come,” said Roseland Mayor James R. Spango. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Louis A. DeBell passed away on July 3, 2021, recently moving to Verona after living many decades in the Borough of Roseland. He served as Mayor for 16 years from 1987 until 2002 and also served on the Borough Council for several years. Mayor DeBell was extremely active during his mayoral tenure, with a firm focus on being an advocate for first responders and public safety. During his years in office, the First Aid Squad building was erected, the Mayor's Ball was created with the intent to raise funds for public safety causes, a law was passed requiring carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors be installed in all homes and businesses in the Borough, and a law was passed requiring children wear helmets when bicycling.

22 years to the day that Bond Force Memorial Park All Purpose Field in Roseland was renamed in honor of his late wife, Lynn DeBell, for her volunteerism and work in the Borough, Roseland decided to rename the field to include former Mayor DeBell on October 5, 2019.

A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 13 from 4-8pm at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home in Roseland. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 14 at 10am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Roseland.