Community members and journalists will gather next month to honor the life and legacy of Ed Bell, a longtime journalist and dedicated Marblehead volunteer.
Bell, who died in 2025, will be remembered at a tribute event Thursday, March 5, at the Boston Yacht Club. Tickets are available at MarbleheadCurrent.org.
An award-winning newsman and devoted civic leader, Bell built a distinguished 50-year career in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, covering some of the most significant stories of the late 20th century. His reporting took him around the world and earned him widespread respect in the profession.
Bell was also deeply committed to his hometown. He co-founded Marblehead News Group Inc., publisher of the weekly Marblehead Current, and served as its co-chair and editorial board chairman.
The evening will be co-hosted by award-winning journalist and television personality Susan Wornick and Bell’s daughter, Andrea Bell Bergeron.
Community recognition awards reflecting Bell’s values will be presented during the program:
- Outstanding Student Journalist: Grey Collins
- Community Service: Teri McDonough
- Philanthropic Community Leadership: The Marblehead Philanthropic Lodge (Masons)
Honoring community service
One of the evening’s honorees, Teri McDonough, knew Bell for more than 25 years and worked closely with him at the Marblehead Council on Aging, where Bell served as president of the board.
“Ed truly cared about the staff and clients at the COA,” McDonough said. “He spent time understanding every part of the organization and getting to know the people who made it special.”
A longtime social worker and advocate, McDonough served as executive director of the Council on Aging for many years and has helped countless families access vital services and support.
Since 2015, she has been director of social services at the Marblehead Counseling Center. She also coordinates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency program for the Salem Housing Authority and worked as resident services coordinator at the Marblehead Housing Authority from 2014 to 2023.
McDonough has served on numerous Marblehead committees and initiatives, including the Opioid Working Group, Marblehead Ministerial Association, Racial Justice Team, Fair Housing Committee and Mental Health Task Force.
She and her husband live in Marblehead, where they raised their three children.
