Joseph V. Friel

Joseph Vincent Friel, 69, of Lancaster, died November 19, 2011 at 4:45 pm in ManorCare Health Services, Inc., Lancaster.

He was the husband of Ann-Marie (Gery) Friel, whom he married October 31, 1981.

Born in Upland, PA, Delaware County on July 25, 1942, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and Veronica M. (Houghton) Friel.

He was a 1960 graduate of St. James High School, Chester, PA and a 1964 graduate of PA Military College, now Widener University, Chester County.

Joe was a member of St. Leo the Great Parish, Lancaster.

He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Joe was also a member of the Lancaster Red Rose Chorus.

He was employed 22 years as a pharmaceutical chemist with Ayerst Laboratories, Rouses Point, New York and in the same capacity for another 20 years with Lancaster Laboratories, last working December 2006.

Joe is also survived by two children: Michaelene (Friel), wife of Steven LaBombard of Plattsburgh, NY and Matthew, husband of Jennifer (Okada) Friel of Denver, CO.

Other survivors include three siblings: Mary V. (Friel), wife of George R. Watson of Chester, PA; Sister Gertrude Friel, SSJ, of Drexel Hill, PA and Clare R. (Friel), wife of John P. O'Donnell of Springfield, PA.

Affectionately know as "Poppy", Joe is also survived by four grandsons whom he loved so much: Samuel Friel, Jack LaBombard, Nicholas LaBombard and Benjamin Friel.

There are also several nieces and nephews surviving.

He was predeceased by a brother, Larry R. Friel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (26th) at 11:00 am in St. Katharine Drexel Church, 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester, PA 19013. A viewing will be held from 9:30 am until time of Mass.

Another viewing will be held Sunday (27th) from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and Monday (28th) 10:30 - 11:00 am in St. Leo the Great Parish, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 28th at 11:00 am in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lancaster.

Burial will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00 am in Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road., Reading, PA 19605.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Clare House / Homeless Shelter, 342 East Chestnut Street, #344, Lancaster, PA 17602-2708.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com