David A. Patchell Jr., selfless volunteer
David A. Patchell Jr., 79, of Lewes, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. He was born Wednesday, May 5, 1937 in Philadelphia, son of the late David A. Sr. and Louise (DeStefano) Patchell.
Mr. Patchell studied physical education and history at West Chester State College. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, and continued for an additional six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He built a career at Sears and Roebuck as a technician in Montgomery County that lasted for over 30 years. Mr. Patchell was a selfless volunteer, donating his time to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Cape May, N.J,, and the Lewes Fire Department Auxiliary.
He loved the beach, playing bocce, dining out at various area restaurants, and date nights out on the town with his wife. Mr. Patchell was incredibly social, becoming friends with everyone he met, and loved to make people laugh with his jokes. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Mr. Patchell is survived by his beloved wife, Christine (Geyer) Patchell; his daughter Patti C. Walsh and her husband Kevin of Downingtown, Pa.; his son David A. Patchell III, of Warrington, Pa.; his sisters: Clare Angermann and her husband Bert of Marathon, Fla, and Gwen Lehr and her husband Chris of Willingborough, N.J.; and his grandchildren: Kevin Walsh Jr, Katie Walsh and her fiancé Justin Barbetta, Sean Walsh, Tori Patchell, and Cole Patchell.
A Celebration of Mr. Patchell's Life will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Internment is private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Mr. Patchell's memory to the Mental Health Association in Delaware, 100 West 10th St. Suite 600, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Please visit Mr. Patchell's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
