Joseph L. Schell

A lifelong resident of Harrisburg, he was born November 27, 1921 and graduated from Harrisburg Catholic High School where he served as drum major of the marching band. After high school, he nobly served our country as member of the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

He was blessed to have met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Hylan. They were married 71 happy, healthy years. Together they had six children, all of whom have enjoyed love and success in their own lives thanks to the example set by their parents.

He was a founding member of St. Catherine Laboure Parish and founder of the Christian Growth Group. He enjoyed volunteering at the St. Catherine Laboure School—especially when he got to serve ice cream to the children!

An insurance agent for three decades before retiring in 1978, Joseph loved to travel, square dance with his beloved wife, and was an active member of the Silver Sneakers Program.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Anastacia Schell as well as his siblings Henry, Elizabeth, and Martha Jane.

He is survived by a large and loving family: his wife Elizabeth of Harrisburg, and his children, Joseph Schell and his wife Joanne of Grantville, PA, Gerald Schell and wife Victoria of Sarasota, FL, William Schell and wife Janet of York, PA, Loretta Hopper and husband Donald of Apex, NC, Mary Ballos and husband Robert of Dauphin, PA, John Schell and wife Amy of Coopersburg, PA, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg, with Reverend Neil S. Sullivan, his pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church or to Bishop McDevitt High School.