Posted September 4, 2014

Joseph F. Schnell, 78, of Hatfield, died Aug. 27 at Abington Health-Lansdale Hospital. He was the husband of the late Carolyn B. “Sis” Schnell. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Charles and Martha (Sattler) Schnell.

Schnell graduated from Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, in 1953 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and worked as an engineer with Honeywell for 29 years, retiring in 1995.

A dedicated parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish Lansdale, Schnell and was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Pius IX Council 4396, Lansdale.

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His hobbies included woodworking, swimming, tennis, sailing, playing cards and photography.  He was also a member of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers and the American Society for Quality Control. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Lorraine McNevin and her husband, Chuck, of Perkasie, Don Schnell of Newportville, Theresa Cheatley and her husband, Michael, of New Port Richey, Fla., and Joanne Dempster and her husband, Dan, of Hatboro; his stepchildren, Carolyn Jones of Blue Bell, Cheryle Souder of Quakertown, Dennis Yorgey of Gilbertsville and Kelly J. Yorgey of Hatfield; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Schnell (Irene), Robert Schnell (Sandy), Vincent Schnell (Dotti); and a sister, Martha Mazeikas (Len).

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Dorothy L. Schnell, and infant son, John Joseph Schnell.

Relatives and friends may call between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Avenue in Lansdale. A second viewing will begin 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Maria Goretti Church, 1601 Derstine Road in Hatfield, followed by the funeral Mass at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.