Joseph A. McNelis

It is with heartfelt sorrow we announce the passing of Joseph A. McNelis on June 13th , 2023 at the age of 93. Joe was the second child of Joseph and Helen (Rodgers) McNelis.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Winnie, brother James McNelis and brother-in-law Albert Romano.  He is survived by: a sister Mary Romano (nee McNelis), sons Joseph A McNelis (Bernadette), John P McNelis (Iman), James C. McNelis and daughters Winnie Doyle (Paul) and Mary Dorman (Keith) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. 

Joe graduated from West Catholic High School in 1948.  He was a Corporal in the United States Army and served on the front lines during the Korean War.  He was a humble man and never spoke of the military commendations he received for: Combat Infantry, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, United Nations Service, Korean Serval Medal with 2 Bronze Stars.  He was active duty 1952 – 1953 and then Army Reserves until March of 1960.  Joe retired from General Electric in 1990 after 42 years of employment.

He met his beloved wife, Winnie, at a popular Pocono dance hall, Camp Karamac.  Their first dance, that lasted all evening, was at  Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia.  A year and half later they were married. Their loving union, rooted in affection, devotion and laughter nurtured all of us for 63 years.

Joe was a role model on how to live with kindness and humor in equal measure. When asked what is something everyone should learn? He replied, “never make someone feel embarrassed”.  Sunday mornings he would be found at St Francis of Assisi's 7 am Mass and then golfing at Springfield Country Club. He would return early enough to spend the day with the family. He passed on his love of the beach through annual vacations to Ocean City New Jersey, where he taught his children and grandchildren how to swim, body surf, enjoy and respect the ocean.

Joe had a child-like sense of play that the grandchildren and great grandchildren were blessed to experience.  His quick wit was legendary.  If Joe was in the room, you knew there would be much laughter!  His legacy is one to model and he will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian burial is planned for June 30th, 2023, 10:30 am at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Springfield Pa. Visitation 9:30 – 10:15,  followed by Mass. Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Please join us on Saint Francis' Facebook Page or YouTube Channel. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joe’s name to Moravian Manor Donate - Moravian Manor Communities  the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. 

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