Richard V. 'Dick' Shell of North Auburn passed away Thursday, September 23rd at home with his wife of 60 years, Alice (Wise) Shell by his side. They were married November 4th, 1961 at St. Sebastian Church in Bismark, Ohio.
Dick was born on September 15th, 1936 in North Auburn, Ohio the son of Albert and Viola (Cramer) Shell. He graduated from New Washington High School and served four years in the United States Army, including time in Korea. He was a member of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, living his entire life in North Auburn.
Dick's interests and passions were many, including a true love of baseball, playing throughout his high school years, time in the army, and as a player/manager of the New Washington Merchants team of the early 60's. He coached for 10 years in the New Washington Little and Pony leagues, including time as president of the league. Dick was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, making his allegiance to the Tribe well known through his unique style of dress and truck displays, as well as a season ticket holder for 10 years.
Dick retired from PPG Industries after 33 years as a machinist and maintenance supervisor. In his 'spare' time, he ran a roofing business, Shell Roofing, creating a lengthy list of local youthful employees.
Dick was active in Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church and St. Bernard's School, was a member of the School Board, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name, and assisted with mass as a lecture and lay minister. He belonged to the American Legion and enjoyed singing in the 'Minstrel' and around numerous camp fires with family and friends.
Upon retirement he took pride in his wine making (both good and bad vintage). He spent summers sharing his joy of the lake and perch fishing with family and friends. By far his biggest joy came from sharing his time with and watching his nine grandchildren participate in school functions and sporting events. He was also president of the North Auburn Freak Show and was known to many as the mayor of North Auburn.
His life lessons and love will be cherished by his wife and five children: Roger 'Rog' Shell, who preceded him in death, Deb (Ned) Heydinger, Angie (Darren) Trapp, Lisa (Tom) Biglin all of North Auburn, Ohio and Dan Shell of Leesville, Ohio; nine grandchildren: Shelbi (Josh) Strain, Eric and Scott Heydinger, Chadd and Tyler Trapp, Alli, Lexi, and Cory Biglin, all of North Auburn and Jordan Shell (Natalie Sayre) of Crestline, Ohio; and brother Allison 'Tub' (Susan) Shell, sisters Carolyn 'Toots' (Terry) Watson, and Patti Crace, and sister-in-law, Judy Shell. He was preceded in death by his brothers Eugene 'Nip' Shell and Melvin 'Buck' Shell and in-laws Tayna Shell, Darlene Shell, and Custer Crace.
Dick's life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at 11:00 am, Monday, September 27th at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in North Auburn, Ohio. Calling hours will be Sunday, September 26th from 3 to 6 pm at Secor Funeral Home in New Washington, Ohio.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Washington Little League in care of Secor Funeral Home.
Condolences
Dan and Marilyn Flaherty - Sep 24, 2023
Our sincere condolences to Dick’s family. We knew Dick from PPG and would see him at church functions. He was always friendly and had a big smile!
Eric Lucius - Oct 9, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Shell family; “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
Ed and Cheryl Schumacher - Oct 1, 2021
Ned and Deb and all the Shell family we want to express our sympathy for the loss of your father and grandfather. He sure did enjoy life and I am sure he will be greatly missed
Larry and mary kimmel - Oct 1, 2021
So very sorry to hear about Dick. The entire family is is our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and patsy weithman - Sep 30, 2021
Our sympathies
Ray & Mary Bloomfield - Sep 30, 2021
So sorry for your loss. It always was a pleasure to meet up with DIck and Alice. Happy people to be around. May God bless all the Shells at this difficult time.
James and Roxann Young - Sep 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to Dick’s family. He was such a good man. He will be missed.
Bob Siegel - Sep 28, 2021
My condolences to the family and friends. Dick was an absolute treasure and missed by many. My prayers are with you all.
Tuesday Collins - Sep 27, 2021
My condolences ,my thoughts are with you.
Tuesday Collins - Sep 27, 2021
My condolences my thoughts are with you
Yvette Robertson - Sep 27, 2021
so sorry for your loss...love and prayers to the whole family
Diane Swartzmiller - Sep 27, 2021
Alice and Family, I am so sorry I could not attend Dick's service. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your sorrow. He and Rog will be cheering on their Indians from the best seats in the house! You all have my condolences. Love and hugs to you all!
Melody Heydinger Mergenthaler - Sep 27, 2021
My heart goes out to the entire Shell Family! I’m sure everyone that knew Dick, walked away smiling. He was always joking and teasing but also had a deep love of his family! He will be missed by many! Prayers!
Monica and Travis Lutz - Sep 26, 2021
We are thinking of and praying for you and your family during this extremely difficult time. Words fail to express our sincere sympathy.
Bruce and Denise Schaefer - Sep 26, 2021
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Reflecting back-we had Dick's wine!!, enjoyed seeing him cheer for the Cleveland Indians, how he loved his family, and being at Summer Breeze. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Sending love and prayers-Bruce and Denise Schaefer
Pat Smith and family - Sep 26, 2021
Such sad news . Dad is sure going to miss giving Dick the berries about the Yankees and the Indians . He was such a good friend that will be missed by all at the lake.
Janet Hines - Sep 26, 2021
Alice and family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of Dick. May you find comfort remembering the memories.
Bill and Ruth Ann Hanes - Sep 26, 2021
Our sympathy to your family.
Jerry and Donna Studer - Sep 25, 2021
We want to send our sincere sympathy. We were so sadden to hear of his passing. Prayers are with you and your family. We always enjoyed talking to Dick.
Kempf Family - Sep 25, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Neil & Jane Pifher - Sep 25, 2021
Our Sympathy to Alice and Family
Bob Halsey - Sep 25, 2021
There are not enough positives to describe Dick - suffice it to say he was an honest, compassionate, hard working and ethical person - a true gentleman.
Mindy Utz & Grant Mess - Sep 25, 2021
Our deepest condolences.
Cheri Peddicord - Sep 25, 2021
Alice, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers during this sad time. Wow, you had 60 years together. May the wonderful memories help you in the days to come.
Laurie Metzger - Sep 25, 2021
My condolences to the whole She'll family. May you find comfort in those around you.
Bev & Ron Cruikshank - Sep 25, 2021
Alice, Our deepest sympathies to you and the family during this time. Seeing the photo of Dick in his Indians hat brings a smile to me. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Bev & Ron
Leroy and Susie Shade - Sep 25, 2021
So sorry to hear this. He was such a character.
Lorna Ackerman - Sep 24, 2021
to all of you please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. What an amazing family you are. Love and prayers to each of you. Lorna and boys
Chris Daniel - Sep 24, 2021
Alice & family, My condolences to you on the loss of this great guy. I remember many good times, perch fishing, card playing and I was lucky enough to be one of those "local youthful employees" of Shell Roofing. May your strong faith and the love of family and friends be of comfort to you at this time. God Bless.
Sally (Stevens) Schifer - Sep 24, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Mark Ebbeskotte - Sep 24, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the entire She'll family. I always enjoyed talking with Dick, especially about his Tribe and my Reds. I will continue to miss him at ballgames and other community events. My earliest memory would have been when he was coaching pony league over at Chatfield and I was mowing the school lawn that year. I think he paid me $5 to drag the field one evening. So I would then drag the field when I mowed if weather and time allowed, just because it seemed the thing to do. God bless you all. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Alice Alt and Susan Alt - Sep 24, 2021
Our condolences and sympathy to the Shell family. Dick was a fun guy who will surely be missed! God Speed.
Neal Kaple - Sep 24, 2021
My condolences to the family and friends. My prayers are with you all.
