Obituary of David C. Schell
Smethport--David “Bones” Calvin Schell, age 66, of Smethport, Pennsylvania, passed away quietly on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Sena Kean Manor.
Dave was born in McKean County on August 16,1957, the second son of Dale and Anna Marie Schell. He was a lifelong resident of Smethport and continued his family’s presence within the community.
He was the second of four children, with two brothers and a sister. Dave got his smile from his mom, and his stature from his father. He was a quiet man but had the Schell dry sense of humor that when delivered with his knowing smirk, had you questioning and then chuckling.
As a young man, he attended Smethport area schools and excelled at basketball, football, and golf. While in high school, Dave was often featured in the local paper for his on the court and field athletic abilities. His love and participation in these activities did not fade throughout his life. During football season, Dave could often be found watching the Pittsburg Steelers, like he used to do with his father. If you called him during the baseball season, chances are, he was watching a game. He had a typical love-hate relationship with his favorite baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Most of all, Dave loved his golf and his group of friends from the Smethport Country Club, where he picked up the nickname “Bones”. Dave’s coworkers and golf course friends were his family for many years. These friendships meant the world to Dave, and his family is so grateful for the many memories he had with you all. On the course, Dave was known for making great shots, even being recognized and winning awards. In his home and at the club are his hole-in-one awards for shots made in 2010 and 2012.
After graduating from Smethport High School, at 20 years old, Dave enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country from 1977 to 1980. He was stationed in Monterey Bay, California at Fort Ord as a unit supply specialist. In his back closet you would find his army duffle bag, heavy green overcoat, canteen, and a memento box with his dog tags. Dave was honorably discharged from the army and then spent time in Florida working at Walt Disney World. He kept a lot of memorabilia from his time there including ticket pass books, ten-year anniversary of Magic Kingdom pin, and trinkets.
After his army and Disney days, Dave was a dedicated custodian in the Smethport Area School District. He worked there from 1986 until 2018, when he entered retirement.
Preceded in death by his father Dale Elwood Schell and his mother Anna Marie Schell, he leaves behind his three siblings Dale E. Schell, Dan (Janet) Schell, and Melissa “Missy” (Randy) Kerr. He was an uncle to Joseph (Lindsey) Schell, Rebekah (Brandon) Olejnik, and Andrew (Gracelyn) Schell, and a great uncle to Emmalyne Olejnik and Addison Olejnik.
We are inviting friends and family to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Smethport Country Club starting at 6:00 pm with a service at 7:00 pm. Dave will be laid to rest near his father and mother in Rose Hill Cemetery.
In honor of Dave’s commitment and devotion to athletics, the family requests donations to be sent to the Hubber Athletic Booster Club to support future golfers.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.