George J. Dell

George J. Dell 96, of Brookfield, Ohio passed away on Saturday morning March 24, 2012 at Hospice House in Poland, OH following a brief illness. Mr. Dell was born on November 6, 1915 in Holidaysburg, PA the son of Ray and Ruth (Raffenspargar) Dell. George spent several years during the Great Depression as a "Hobo" riding trains across the country and working various jobs along the way. It was from these experiences that he would later find his great talent as an accomplished artist drawing with both pen and pencil. Many of these drawings still hang in various offices and shops throughout our area. A decorated Veteran of the United States Army, George served as an Artillery Observer with the 915 Field Artillery Battalion of the 3rd Army in the European Theater during World War II. He participated in campaigns in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland and was wounded twice making him a recipient of two Purple Heart Medals. He also would receive a Bronze Star Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. George was always proud of his service to Our Country and was a longtime member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6233 in West Middlesex, PA. Following his discharge from the Army he went on to work for Ralston Purina Feed Mill in Wilmington, Delaware as a foreman for over eighteen years before his retirement in 1968. He was a former officer of the Buhl Model Train Society and a longtime member of Sharon First United Methodist Church. George survived by his daughter Elaine Singer, and son George Dell, his sister Margaret, and several close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Jessie Heckathorn Dell whom he married on March 29, 1974 and passed away in 1992, by his wife Caroline Madasz Dell whom he married on April 30, 1995 and passed away on June 7, 2002, by two brothers Joseph and James Dell and by his sister Ruth Tidswell. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 28, 2012 at Sharon First United Methodist Church at 273 West Silver Street Sharon, PA from 11:00AM-1:00PM. Funeral services will begin at 1:00PM with the Rev. Richard Roberts and Rev. Dave Davis officiating. Lane Family Funeral Homes, Madasz Chapel in Brookfield was entrusted with handling the arrangements. Burial will take place on Thursday afternoon at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery where full military honors will take place in honor of George's sacrifices for Our Country. As an expression of sympathy any contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.