Thomas E. Schell
August 11, 1932 – November 21, 2007
Thomas E. Schell, 72, passed away with family by his side on November 21, 2007, in Templeton, California. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, 3 children, 4 grandchildren, a great-grandchild and sister.
He was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio in 1935, moved to Glendale, California in 1964 and settled in Paso Robles, California in 1999.
He began his radio career in Cincinnati, OH, but his range of talents and distinctive voice were quickly spotted by ABC who moved him to Los Angeles where he was a respected and Emmy award winning correspondent for ABC Radio and ABC News for more than three decades. Even his introduction to Los Angeles was a baptism of fire as Tom was assigned to cover the Watts riots in the civil rights era. Since then Tom covered every major story on the west coast including the kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst, the Hillside Stranger and the era of terror which gripped Los Angeles, the execution of Gary Gilmore in Utah, the political career and presidency of Ronald Reagan, the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state and the inferno of the MGM Grand hotel fire in Las Vegas. Two tragedies of particular note are the crash of a Western Airlines DC-10 in Mexico City and the destruction of a US Airways airliner over San Luis Obispo where Schell’s reportage earned him the lasting respect of colleagues both at ABC and other national networks.
Schell distinguished himself on overseas assignments that included the civil wars in Nicaragua and El Salvador. During his tenure at the Los Angeles bureau those who worked with him said there wasn’t a single national story that Tom Schell wasn’t a part of either on or off camera. Colleagues recall that Tom Schell was a gracious and generous professional who offered his knowledge, expertise and gifts to all those who worked with him. As an investigative reporter the contacts he established throughout years of covering every important national story gave Tom a unique access to law enforcement and elected officials that was the envy of his peers.
Because of his reputation for trustworthiness and fairness Tom was a welcomed guest lecturer at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual convention speaking on media relations with law enforcement.
He was an integral part in his grandchildren's lives, sharing his numerous stories and attending their school and sporting events when time permitted. They were his life and always brought that sparkle to his eyes. “Grandpa”, as he was called by all, is "Now closer to the moon so it will be easier to fix when it goes out!” He will be missed by all.
A private cremation will be held with no visitation or services. The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held this summer.
The Schell and McClure families wish to thank the Paso Robles Fire Department, Sierra Vista and Twin Cities Hospitals along with the Kidney Dialysis Center of Templeton for the excellent care they provided during his illness.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Fire Family Foundation, who assists our firefighters and their families throughout the state of California at 815 W. Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
By: Peter Shaplen
