Roy Eugene Schell passed away peacefully at his San Martin home, September 15, 2009, at the age of 97. Born April 4, 1912, Roy lived his entire life in San Martin. He attended local schools, graduating from Live Oak High School in 1930.
After high school, Roy worked for Rocca’s Feed Store, where he met and married Bernice Lapsley. During WWII, Roy worked for a defense contractor, who developed the first jet engine. In 1945, Bernice and Roy purchased what was then known as The Rocca Department Store from Julius Rocca. In 1947, they took in partner Bill Agler and later changed the name to the San Martin Country Store, selling everything from bricks to fine clothing. The Schells and Aglers were partners until 1976 when they sold the store to Roy’s son, Peter Schell and partner, Ken Beatty, and they retired.
Roy was an outgoing, friendly man and delighted in knowing everyone in the area! He spent many Wednesday nights with his cronies at the Elks Lodge and later enjoyed attending SIR’s luncheon meetings. In recent years, his social life revolved around his daily trip with his wonderful caretakers, Beau, Edna or Julie, to the Senior Center in Morgan Hill for lunch, where they played cards and saw old friends. He and Bernice skied at Yosemite for years and were avid golfers, taking many trips on golfing adventures with friends. They enjoyed traveling, even taking a four month voyage on a freighter around South America.
He is preceded in death by Bernice, his wife of over 60 years, his parents and four siblings. He is survived by son, Peter Schell, and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Schell, grandson, Robert Schell, his wife Erin Schell and great- granddaughter, Adeline Schell, granddaughter Chantelle Deaver and great-grandson, Casey Deaver and great -granddaughter, Laurel Deaver.
A memorial celebration of life service will be held on October 3, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. at the San Martin Presbyterian Church.
Donations may be made to the San Martin Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 203, San Martin, CA, 95046.
