Obituary of Joseph Whitesell, Sr.

Joseph Whitesell, Sr. age 97 of Pennsville passed away Monday November 12, 2012 at the Southgate Health Care Center, Carneys Point. He was born on the North Shore in Penns Grove and was the son of the late Benjamin Whitesell, Sr. and Elsie Shimp Whitesell. Joseph had many jobs over the years but some were his favorite. He managed the Graystone Gas Station in Pennsville and told one story to everyone who would listen. Eleanor Roosevelt and her entourage which included her horses stopped out in front of his station in the line waiting to go across the Pennsville-New Castle Ferry. One of her people asked if he knew of a place where Mrs. Roosevelt could rest for a while. He sent them up the road to the Fitzgeralds cottages and Mrs. Roosevelt had a nice rest. The family genealogist later found out that on Josephs' side that he was related her. He also worked at the DuPont Plant One in Carneys Point and was also related to the DuPonts'. He drove a truck for the George Oil Company in Woodstown and then became a partner in the Riverview Beach Park. He then retired from his final job as superintendent on the Delaware River & Bay Authority. He had several hobbies and they were woodworking and cooking. He could be found doing the latter at the Servicemens Club in Carneys Point where he was a charter member. Survived by his loving daughter, Catherine Whitesell Cunningham, grandchildren and some great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, Adeline Brooks Whitesell, son, Joseph "Jim" Whitesell, Jr., sisters, Anna and Esther and a brother, Harry, grandchildren, Jack Whitesell and Lesa McCoy. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday Nov. 17, at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, NJ where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Lawnside Cemetery, Woodstown.