Joseph Conwell—1/18/2015

DadJoseph Conwell, 84, formerly of Bala-Cynwyd, passed away Sunday evening, January 18 at Lansdale Hospital. He died very peacefully surrounded by a dozen family members. He was alert to the end, able to feel the love of us all. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Ginny, sons Blaise, Joe and Tom, their wives and 10 grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his brother Charlie and sister Mary Jane.

Born in Wynnewood in 1930, he attended Lower Merion H.S., and the University of Pennsylvania. He had to leave Penn after his freshmen year when he battled encephalitis, which resulted in a permanent handicap. He nevertheless returned to Penn, graduated in 1953, married and raised a rambunctious family of three sons. Despite the seemingly unfair hand he’d been dealt, he refused to be limited by it. He maintained steadfast devotion to his God, St. Matthias parish, the Boy Scouts and Malvern Retreat House.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joe’s Funeral Mass on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave. Lansdale, PA. 19446, where the family will receive friends from 10-11AM, at Church before Mass. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to:

St. Francis Inn
2441 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 423-5845
Attn: Sister Leslie Birks

9 thoughts on “Joseph Conwell—1/18/2015

  1. You know, I was just thinking about y’all because I remembered that Joe and my cousin Steve have birthdays one day apart. So I Googled “Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers” to hear a tune….a sort of blast from the past and this came up in the list. I have many fond memories of Brenda and I coming to visit and being with your family. We had so much fun with Ginny and “Big” Joe and being with you all. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, Jean Lancaster (NC)

    • Is this Sam Hepp of Pembroke Road? Thank you very much for remembering my dad. The rest of us are all well. We’re happy Dad is at peace. My mother is particularly touched by notes from old friends like you. Thank you again.

  2. Ginny, Blaise, Joe, and Tom,
    So sorry to here of your loss. Joe was such a great guy and fun to be around. My mom and dad were so fond of him. I have a very fond, funny memory of him visiting us at the shore when Tom Cahill took him swimming in the ocean. The life guards were rather shocked!
    Unfortunately, I will not be able to be there on Friday but my thoughts are with you.
    Sincerely,
    Jeff

  3. Joe was a colorful, bright, gracious and compassionate man. He was so interested in others -and always had a wry comment -or laugh out loud funny observation on the situation. I cherish the many happy family -and social-memories of Joe and Ginny and the boys -as they became our family through Dick and Ann. But I truly cherish Joe and the way he lived his inspiring life in partnership and love with Ginny. What a man!

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