John J. Schell
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — John J.
Schell, 63, of Eltingville, a career U.S. Air Force
veteran who is remembered as a loving father,
grandfather and uncle, died Thursday in Staten Island
University Hospital, in Ocean Breeze.
Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Schell grew up in Red Hook and
graduated from high school in his native borough.
Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force
and began his 21-year military career. A mechanic, he
saw duty during the Vietnam war and also was stationed
in Spain, Germany and other points across the globe.
After leaving the Air Force, he moved to Sacramento,
Calif. He settled in Eltingville 15 years ago.
For several years, Mr. Schell drove a delivery truck for
Coca-Cola on the Island. Most recently, he was an
engineer on PATH trains in New Jersey. He left work
about a month ago when he became ill, but had intended
to return, his family said.
Mr. Schell enjoyed relaxing every Saturday night with a
drink in his hand and doo-wop tunes on the stereo.
He liked to watch the History Channel and animal shows
on television. He was an avid fan of the cinema,
particularly “Star Trek” movies.
“He was helpful and would do anything for anybody,” said
his niece, Kelly Contreras, adding that her uncle was
close to his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and
grandnephews.
Surviving are his wife of eight years, the former Anna
Visgotis; his daughters, Deena Edwards, Johna Schell and
Pennie Matone, and seven grandchildren.
The funeral will be Monday from the John Vincent Scalia
Home for Funerals, Eltingville with a mass at 9:45 a.m.
in St. Clare R.C. Church, Great Kills. Arrangements
include private cremation.
Copyright
© 2011 Staten
Island Advance
IN
MEMORIAM
From:
HR Broadcast
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2011 2:25 PM
Subject: IN MEMORIAM
His friends at the Port Authority Trans-Hudson
Corporation were saddened to learn of the passing of
John J. Schell, Jr. on Thursday, March 10, 2011.
Mr. Schell is survived by his wife, Anna.
Mr. Schell began working for the Port Authority
Trans-Hudson Corporation on April 30, 2001. At the
time of his death, he held the position of Engineer.
Friends were received at the
Scalia Funeral Home, 28 Eltingvill Blvd (off
Richmond Avenue) Staten Island, NY, on Sunday, March
13, 2011 between 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00pm
to 9:00pm. A funeral mass was held today at St.
Clair’s Roman Catholic Church at 110 Nelson Avenue
(between Amboy & Highland Blvd), Staten Island, NY.
Christopher O. Ward
President
Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation
