Joseph Theodore Schell Sr.

Joseph T. Schell Sr., 92, passed away on February 2, 2022, at the Thompson House in Rhinebeck. He was born on November 12, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of Joseph and Lillian (Poteracki) Schell. In 1948, Joseph entered the United States Coast Guard, where he served aboard the Ambrose Lightship during the Korean Conflict. On February 3, 1951, Joseph married the love of his life, Theresa Donelan. They were happily married for 66 years until her passing in 2017. 

Joseph worked as a material analyst for Con Edison in Buchanan for 34 years until his retirement in 1991. He then worked for the local polo fields and enjoyed spending time with Theresa and their family. He was a devout Catholic, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and longtime parishioner of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans.

Joe was very active and involved in the American Legion. Beginning at Bayside post 510 in Queens, where he became vice county commander. He was also instrumental in reinstating the Sons of the American Legion at post 510, and served as past commander in Cold Spring, and County Commander in Putnam. Locally, he was a former member of post 426 in Pine Plains, and formerly served on the board of Directors for the Pine Plains Lions Club. Joe was also an avid stamp collector and had an impressive collection of Budweiser steins. 

Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph T. Schell Jr. of Rhinebeck, NY and Mary Clare Francis, of Newburyport, MA.  His three grandchildren; Veronica of Millbrook, NY, Joseph, of Rhinebeck, NY, and Matthew of Pine Plains, NY.  His six great grandchildren Tyler, Brittany, Madison, Jaedon, Riley, and Connor that he adored. 

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, February 7, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 S. Main Street, Pine Plains. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 8 at 10:00 am from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Pine Plains. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Mask requirements will be observed for the services. 

Donations may be made to a favorite charity in memory of Joseph. 

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