Obituaries
Joseph F. McNelis, Jr., 87
Joseph F. McNelis Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully August 27, 2012 at his home at Willow Street, PA. He was born in Shenandoah, PA. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Force in WW II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Joe graduated with a degree in Economics from Villanova University.
Joe was a passionate retailer, entrepreneur, and lifelong merchant. In his career that spanned over 50 years, he was a Manager for F. W. Woolworth Company and Vice President of Hoy’s Five and Ten Stores in the founding years of that business. When he was 46, he founded McNelis Hallmark Shops in Wilmington, DE and grew the business to a successful chain of four stores.
Joe had a love, hate relationship with the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Joe enjoyed vacationing at the Jersey shore and world travel.
Joe was the son of the late Joseph F. and Estelle McNelis and was predeceased by his sisters Adrienne Smith and Patricia Puckett. He was the loving husband of Suzanne (Comly) McNelis for 61 years. Joe was the proud father of Joseph F. III and wife Rose Marie of Landenberg, PA, Suzanne, Patricia, and James all of Wilmington, DE. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Laura, Patrick, and Christopher and his great grandson Sean.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 AM Friday, August 31, 2012, at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church 119 S. Prince St. Lancaster PA 17603, with The Rev. Leo M. Goodman, III as Celebrant. Private Interment with Military Honors in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Homes For Our Troops, 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780, or by calling 866-7-TROOPS, or at www.homesforourtroops.org. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
So sorry to hear of your loss! We were talking about you earlier today and then I read the paper – sort of surprised at the news. Didn’t realize Mr. McNelis was quite so old. He had a long and interesting life, and there must be some good times back there for you to draw on.
If there is anything we can do for you, don’t hesitate to call.
Our sympathy,
Frank and Liz Kramar
Dear Sue,
I was sadden to learn the lost of your special Joe. He fought the battle brilliantly and taught all of us so much.He was one of those people that made Delaware a better place to live through his insights, kindness and compassion.I only hope that the many wonderful memories will comfort you and your family during this time.Please know that countless others of us are sharing in your grief with you.
With sincere sympathy,
Robert Abel,Jr. MD
My sincere sympathy Sue to you and your family in the passing of Joe. You were so faithful in your care of Joe – always making sure the nurses and aids did there best, too.
Marsue saw Joe’s name and Rose, otherwise I would not have know.
My Prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Fondly remembering all our times together – Ellen Lewis
Joe, Rose, Pat,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bob and Terrie Kalesse
Dear Sue,
I was so saddened to read of Joe’s death. He had such a kind heart and a great sense of humor. When you had the Hallmark Store on Orange Street in Wilmington, he told me once during those many years when I would come in to order autograph books for our Ulster Project Delaware, "Sally, I don’t waste time worrying when the economy goes bad, because there’s not a thing that we sell in here that is a necessity!" Together you were a wonderful team, both so generous, friendly, and caring. May Joe rest in peace.
Sally Milbury-Steen
