Joe Roy Harrell

Joe Roy Harrell, 83, of Douglassville, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at the Sanatoga Rehabilitation Center, in Pottstown, Pa. He passed away after a three-year fight with lung cancer and had his family by his side.

Joe was born Sept. 11, 1939, in the Buck Donic Community, near Cardwell, Mo. His parents were Connie Jethro Harrell and Faye Etta Marret Harrell. Joe was raised in the Macey Community, near Monette. He was the fourth generation of Harrells to live on the century-old family farm there. He was a member of the Macey Methodist Church.

Joe graduated in 1958 from Childress High School, near Monette. He was active in baseball and basketball and loved hunting, fishing and swimming near his home. Later he became active in kayaking. He was an avid walker and sudoku player, and did both daily.

He joined the United States Navy after high school graduation and served on the 7th fleet flag ship USS Saint Paul, off Yokosuka, Japan, from 1959-1962. He graduated from California State University, in Fullerton, Calif., in 1969.

Joe married Joanne Rosalie Sprich on Jan. 12, 1965, and they made their home in southwestern California. He went on to work as an electrical services manager in Florida, Alabama, Kansas, Georgia and Pennsylvania before retiring from G.E. Nuclear Energy in King of Prussia, Pa., in 2012.

Joe and his wife Joanne celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015 at their home in Downingtown, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years; and many close uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Joe is survived by his daughter Laura Jo Harrell DiCriscio, her husband John Bradford DiCriscio, and grandchildren, Colton John DiCriscio and Natalia Laura DiCriscio, of Pottstown, Pa.; also, two sisters, Nan Etta Harrell Snider (Alvis) of Monette and Carroll Sue Harrell McAfee, of Jonesboro; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Interment will be private.