Derle L. Schell, 82, of Berwick went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, February 13, 2016.
Born in Nescopeck Township on August 5, 1933, he was the son of the late Lee and Helen (Naugle) Schell. He graduated from Nescopeck High School in 1951, and served in the US Army after WWII. After an honorable discharge, Derle met and married the love of his life, Marion and they moved to Manville, New Jersey. After moving back to Berwick in 1968, he worked at Valley Seeding, Sugarloaf and then was employed as a truck driver at Wise Foods for over 15 years, where he was recognized with the Million-Mile safe driver award. After retiring from Wise, he worked part time for Knorr Contracting, Berwick.
Derle, or as nurses and waitresses called him, “Trouble”, loved music and in his younger years, played the banjo and mandolin. He would go on trips with his siblings to see the Gaither Vocal Band whenever possible. He also loved his Pirates, Nascar, and the Christmas Boulevard. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his grand and great grandchildren, whom he cherished and adored. Every day Derle checked the paper for his name in the obituaries, and would have been startled to see his name today. His sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion V. (Frederick) Schell on July 13, 2015, breaking a marital span of 59 years; sons, Leslie K. and Larry D. Schell; and brothers, Drue and Mark Schell.
He will be greatly missed by his son, Carey Schell and his wife, Karen, Nescopeck; three granddaughters, Amanda Schell, Caley Oels and husband Phil; Corinne Schell and companion Daniel Bankes; as well as four great-grandchildren, Milo, Oscar, Brody and Morgan. Also surviving are sisters, Janet Smith; Ruth Ann Henrie and husband Marlin, all of Berwick; brothers, Fred Schell; Ronald Schell and wife Carla; David Schell and wife Jolinda, all of Nescopeck; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck, with Reverend Richard Dennison officiating. Interment will follow in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge. Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Derle’s favorite charity, The Salvation Army 320 West Second Street, Berwick, PA 18603 and the Berwick Christmas Blvd.
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com