Atea McArel

Atea McArel, age 91, wife of the late David McArel, of Downingtown, PA, formerly of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in the Paoli Hospital. Born on July 19, 1933 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Alessandro and Vera (Scipione) Gasbarro. Mrs. McArel was a graduate of Upper Darby High School, class of 1951. She worked in the cafeteria at the Schuylkill Elementary School, Phoenixville Middle School, and Phoenixville High School for nearly 40 years until her retirement in 2011. Mrs. McArel was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Phoenixville, where she volunteered on several committees, including the altar guild. When her children were younger, she was an active Brownie and Girl Scout leader as well as a member of the Home and School Association. She participated in many aerobics groups in Phoenixville throughout the years, was a generous supporter of the Democratic party, and volunteered her time at the Phoenixville Hospital. Mrs. McArel is survived by four children, Marlene, wife of Charles Johnson, Shirley, wife of Michael Misiak, Elaine, wife of Robert Stromberg, and Edward David, husband of Charlene McArel; nine grandchildren, Gregory Johnson (Adrienne), Christina Shephard (Kyle), Carolyn Chernous (Emma Chasen), Nicholas Hubbard (Tiffany), Scott McArel, Emily Stromberg, Danielle Stromberg (Shane Strunk), Shaina Dolph (Robert), and Austin Hlavac; seven great-grandchildren, Amelia, Maddox, Brooklyn, Nash, Colby, Kellin, and Parker; sister-in-law, Joanne Gasbarro; and two nephews and a niece, Vincent Gasbarro Jr., Connie Volkman, and Alex Gasbarro. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vincent Gasbarro. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the St. John's Lutheran Church, 355 Saint John's Circle, Phoenixville, PA 19460 on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Officiating will be Pastor Russ Crouthamel. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM at the Church on Friday morning. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm on Friday in the Arlington Cemetery, 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. John's Lutheran Church at the address above. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Atea McArel

July 19, 1933 - September 15, 2024