William E. Schell Sr.

William E. Schell, Sr., 88, of Sharon, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday evening, April 13, 2026, in his home.

Mr. Schell was born November 25, 1937, in Sharon, a son of the late Leon and Alice (Porterfield) Schell. A lifelong area resident, he attended Sharon schools.

Bill had a strong work ethic his entire life, which was evident by taking a job at Sharon Drug Store at a young age. He also worked as a candy-dipper for Philadelphia Candies and as an orderly at Sharon Regional Hospital. For the majority of his life, Bill worked in steel manufacturing for several local companies, Sharon Tube, Wheatland Tube, and Shenango Metal Craft, with the majority of his career being spent as a crane operator at Valley Mold.

Always hunting for a good deal, he loved attending auctions, going to the flea market, and checking out estate sales. Bill always looked forward to working on cars or spending time outdoors while fishing. He enjoyed watching old westerns, particularly Gunsmoke, and was an avid Andy Griffith fan, often taking an annual trip to Mt. Airy, NC, to attend Mayberry Days.

His beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy “Dottie” (Negrea) Schell, whom he married June 13, 1964, preceded him in death on October 6, 2017.

Bill is survived by three sons, William “Bill” Schell, Jr., of Sharpsville, Robert Schell (Mary), of Brookfield, OH, and Johnny Schell (Brandy), of Sharon; a daughter, Angel “Lady” Schell (Mike Herrmann), of Sharon; a sister, Ruth Allshouse, of Butner, NC; a brother, Charles Schell (Karen), of Clark, PA; six grandchildren, Alauna, Michael, Chase, Lily, Ian, and Shane; and four great grandchildren, William, IV, Kayson, Isaiah, and Scarlette.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by a grandson, William Schell, III; five sisters, Priscilla Schell, Susan Winger, Flora Coxson, Margaret Brakeman, and Neomia Levitt; and two brothers, Franklin and Leon Schell.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (4-17-26) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. 

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday (4-18-26), in the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.