Fell graduated from Williams College, then attended Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan, but he left the ministry in 1954 as his thoughts turned increasingly toward the study of philosophy. After serving in the Army for two years in Hawaii, he returned to New York City to earn his doctorate at Columbia University.
Fell joined the Bucknell faculty in 1963. He was a Presidential Professor of Philosophy from 1987 until 1992 and retired in 1993 as the John Howard Harris Chair in Philosophy, emeritus. He published several books on Sartre and Heidegger and inspired lifelong connections with generations of students.
In retirement, Fell’s chief professional effort was to promote the legacy of American philosopher and Williams College professor John William Miller. Fell was chair of the John William Miller Fellowship Fund, collaborated on publication of Miller’s writings, and fostered the growth of a community of scholars carrying on Miller’s work. Fell’s own teaching and scholarship were also recently celebrated with the publication of a volume of articles written by former students, Commonplace Commitments.
Fell also nurtured a love of music throughout his life, attending symphonic concerts, playing the organ and piano, hosting and supporting the Fitzwilliam String Quartet’s annual residency at Bucknell, exchanging popular music tastes with his students, and for many years making house calls as Lewisburg’s “stereo doctor” to share his expertise with hi-fi equipment.
He was predeceased by his first wife. Survivors include his wife, Judith Sigler Fell; two children; one stepson; and two grandchildren.