Peter Bella, a former Chicago police officer turned street photographer, passed away on December 27 at the age of 72 due to esophageal cancer. After nearly three decades in law enforcement, Bella hung up his badge and took up the camera, capturing the grit and beauty of the city he loved.
Bella's background as a cop gave him an unorthodox perspective on life. He shot pictures of bloody crime scenes and witnessed firsthand the darker side of human nature. Yet, despite this exposure to chaos, he also found joy in the simple things: people-watching from a bench, chatting with strangers, and savoring a good sandwich.
After his retirement, Bella turned his attention to street photography, documenting everything from ice cream trucks to candid shots of the enigmatic Joseph "Walking Man" Kromelis. In 2023, he even held a gallery show at Tony Fitzpatrick's The Dime on Western Avenue, where he showcased his work alongside other local artists.
When not behind the lens or behind the wheel, Bella was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. He also enjoyed people-watching from Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square and would often strike up conversations with fellow regulars at his favorite pub.
For those who knew him, Peter Bella was a complex figure - both tough and sensitive, curious and observant. As retired police chaplain Fr. Tom Nangle recalled, "He was so damn curious about life... He knew the street and the good, the bad and the ugly. But the flip side, he knew the fine things in life too."
Bella's wife, Mary Louise Hamilton, remembered him as a quiet, unassuming man who would go out of his way to help others. His daughter Cordelia added that he was always on the move, whether driving around the city or exploring new neighborhoods.
Throughout his life, Peter Bella remained deeply connected to Chicago and its rhythms. As a cop, he knew every corner of the city; as a photographer, he captured its beauty in all its forms. Though his passing leaves a void in our lives, his legacy - both through his photographs and his spirit - will live on for years to come.
Bella's background as a cop gave him an unorthodox perspective on life. He shot pictures of bloody crime scenes and witnessed firsthand the darker side of human nature. Yet, despite this exposure to chaos, he also found joy in the simple things: people-watching from a bench, chatting with strangers, and savoring a good sandwich.
After his retirement, Bella turned his attention to street photography, documenting everything from ice cream trucks to candid shots of the enigmatic Joseph "Walking Man" Kromelis. In 2023, he even held a gallery show at Tony Fitzpatrick's The Dime on Western Avenue, where he showcased his work alongside other local artists.
When not behind the lens or behind the wheel, Bella was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. He also enjoyed people-watching from Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square and would often strike up conversations with fellow regulars at his favorite pub.
For those who knew him, Peter Bella was a complex figure - both tough and sensitive, curious and observant. As retired police chaplain Fr. Tom Nangle recalled, "He was so damn curious about life... He knew the street and the good, the bad and the ugly. But the flip side, he knew the fine things in life too."
Bella's wife, Mary Louise Hamilton, remembered him as a quiet, unassuming man who would go out of his way to help others. His daughter Cordelia added that he was always on the move, whether driving around the city or exploring new neighborhoods.
Throughout his life, Peter Bella remained deeply connected to Chicago and its rhythms. As a cop, he knew every corner of the city; as a photographer, he captured its beauty in all its forms. Though his passing leaves a void in our lives, his legacy - both through his photographs and his spirit - will live on for years to come.
. I mean, the guy was like a true Chicagoan, lived life on his own terms, and had this incredible perspective as a former cop turned street photographer 
. It's wild how he went from being part of that intense law enforcement world to finding joy in just observing people & enjoying simple things like good food & conversation 
. I'm gonna have to check out some of his photos at Tony Fitzpatrick's gallery show - sounds like it was a dope event 
!
what a fascinating life he led, from cop to photographer, always seeking out the beauty in the city. I love how he found joy in the simple things like people-watching and good food 
his work is so raw and honest, it's no wonder he captured some amazing shots of Joseph "Walking Man" Kromelis. his story is a reminder that you can find your passion at any age and make a meaningful impact on the world. RIP Peter Bella, your legacy will be cherished by Chicagoans forever 
the art world is losing a true gem 
peter bella's lens saw the beauty in every corner of chicago, from the gritty streets to the quirky characters that make it so lovable 
i'll miss his work, but more importantly, i'll miss the way he saw the world with such curiosity and kindness 
i mean, he was all about finding joy in the simple things, but as someone who has to deal with tantrums and meltdowns daily 
i can only imagine how tough it must've been for him to see the dark side of human nature up close and personal 
his photos are such a reflection of that duality... so thought-provoking 
. The juxtaposition of his law enforcement background with his passion for street photography is quite fascinating. I mean, who would have thought that the same person who witnessed brutal crime scenes could find beauty in capturing everyday moments like ice cream trucks or people-watching from a bench? His ability to see both the grit and the joy in life is truly admirable.
... anyway, Peter Bella's photos were amazing too, I need to check out that gallery show he did. And Giddings Plaza sounds like a great spot for people-watching, I've been there too, it's so comfy 
...
he seemed like such a chill guy who saw the good in everyone 
always wanted to try my hand at street photography after seeing some of his work 
just went to check out some of his old pics online 
here's one of my faves: 