Hugh BellHugh Bell, longtime president of Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, died at his home on September 20, 2021, after a long illness.
Hugh became president of Rio Grande in 1966 at just 24-years-old. He presided over Rio Grande’s growth from a small, regional jewelry wholesaler with a handful of employees, to a manufacturing and distribution company supporting over 400 associates with customers worldwide by the time he retired in 2012.
Among his many contributions to the success of Rio Grande, Hugh was instrumental in introducing and nurturing Rio Grande’s unique participative management culture based on the 15 principles he both authored and championed.
Hugh is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret, sons Oliver (his wife Rachel) and Adrian, grandchildren Ronan and Elise, siblings Eddie, Neil, Alan, Martin, Molly and Bruce, and many nieces and nephews.
