Born on October 26,1962 in Fairfax, VA, Ross was the beloved son of the late Charles L. and Esther E. (Eddowes) Schell and preceded in death by his brother, Roger Schell. He spent his life building a family and community centered around love, resilience and remarkably resourceful spirit.
Ross is surviving by his devoted wife and best friend, Tammy Smith Schell. He was a proud and loving father to Amanda L. Dawley and her husband Richard, Kristofer C. Schell and his wife, Ciaritza, and Andrew K. Schell and his fiancée, Jennifer. He was the doting grandfather to four grandchildren who were the absolute lights of his life, Brandy, Caily, Laritza and Grayson.
He is also survived by his sister, Vickie Kuhlman and her husband, James; and his brothers, Richard Schell and Rob Schell; and sister-in-law, Theresa Schell.
A dedicated worker and proud veteran, Ross was employed over the years at ABF and Channel Home Center. He also served his country with honor and distinction in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 28th Division (DIVARTY) from which he was honorably discharged.
To those who knew him, Ross will always be remember for his incredible “MacGyver-type” skills—there wasn’t a problem he couldn’t ingeniously solve or something he couldn’t fix. He also possessed a deep love for nature and plants, finding great joy and peace in watching things grow.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Thursday, June 4,2026 in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ross’s memory to support the organizations that aided him so deeply during his journey; the ALS Mid-Atlantic Chapter, The Penn State Hershey Medical Center ALS Center or to Tender Care Hospice.
The family wishes to express their profound and heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional caregivers who walked this path with them: The ALS Clinic Team at Penn State Milton Hershey Center, for their unwavering and ongoing support. Becky, Martine, Hadeah, Marie, Charles and the rest of the 3rd-floor team at Pine View Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for providing compassionate care when the family could not. Nicole, Yaya, Sarah, Dan and the team from Tender Care Hospice, for providing immense companionship, comfort and peace to Ross, and indispensable support to Tammy in her time of need.
