John Patrick Schell

John Patrick Schell

John Patrick Schell, 57, died peacefully on October 31, 2024. In the days prior to his passing, John was surrounded in person and virtually by family and friends - a tribute to how much he was loved by so many. John never knew a stranger.

Born in Cincinnati, John graduated from Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, IL in 1985. Following college, John began a long career as a computer engineer - specializing in voice recognition technology. He relocated with several companies - living in Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and finally returning to live near family in Mason, Ohio.

John was an avid fisherman all his life, a passion learned from his father. There are memories of him as a young boy - riding his bike, fishing rod across the handle bars and tackle box in one hand - on his way to a nearby lake. He not only loved the sport of fishing - he loved to teach others, especially children. He was quick to share his knowledge and his gear. John didn't own anything that he wasn't willing to give away.

John made friends everywhere he went. His heart was the largest part of him - willing to help anyone, kind and generous to all, including four legged friends and wildlife of all kinds. His sense of humor and sparkling blue eyes "reeled you in" from the moment you met him. He was a tremendous storyteller. Some of those stories (especially the fishing tales) were highly suspect - but inevitably left you chuckling for hours.

John was part of a very large family. He is predeceased by his father, John Anthony Schell (d.1984) and is survived by his mother, Patricia Schell Vary (Wheaton, IL) and her husband, Jim Vary. His sister, Pam Boland (N. Aurora, IL), sister, Terri Schell (Mason, OH), brother, Tom Schell and wife, Molly (Jonesville, NC), brother, Mike Schell and wife, Nicole (Flagstaff, AZ), brother, Bob Schell and wife, Amy (Centennial, CO), brother, David Schell and wife, Kelly (Centennial, CO); stepbrother, Jay Vary and wife, Jennifer (Seattle, WA) and stepsister, Catherine Voigt and husband, Derek (Glen Ellen, IL). John had 18 nieces and nephews and 4 more from the next generation. He loved them all tremendously. His family was dear to him.

John's absence will leave a magnificent hole in all our lives. We find solace in knowing he is in the company of loved ones who have passed before us. Our greatest wish is that he has discovered the perfect lake and is fishing alongside his father once again. We sure love you John.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Hospice or Humane Society.