John "Jack" Mansell

Jack Mansell, 97, a longtime Schuylkill County businessman, Navy veteran, civic volunteer, local historian, writer and devoted supporter of the arts, died Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Holy Sprit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, in the loving presence of family.

Born in Pottsville, his parents were Albert and Lucy (Foster) Mansell. He graduated from St. Clair High School, then went to the College of Wooster in Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Following graduation, Jack entered the United States Navy at the onset of the Cold War. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea as an enlisted seaman before he was selected for Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer and served aboard the USS Kyne (DE-744). His Navy training included communications and anti-submarine warfare instruction in Key West, Florida.

After an honorable discharge, Jack returned to Schuylkill County and joined his brother Albert James “Jim” Mansell in running the family business, Mansell’s Wallpaper & Paint Store, in St. Clair. They expanded the business in 1958 with a second store in Pottsville. Jack ran the business as sole proprietor following Jim’s death in 1982, until his retirement in 2000.

Jack was active in many local organizations, including the Pottsville Club, where he served as a board member, the Pottsville Community Players, the Schuylkill Shrine Club, and the Pottsville Parking Authority. He an was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

A fan of Pottsville-born novelist John O’Hara, Jack shared his knowledge of O’Hara and local history of the arts with others through the Schuylkill County Counsel for the Arts and at various events. He was especially devoted to Pottsville’s historic Majestic Theater, where he supported theatrical productions and the work of those committed to preserving live theater in Schuylkill County. At age 88 he wrote a play called “Anton & Siegfried” set in WWI which was staged at the Majestic Theatre in 2017. A second play he wrote was staged in 2019.

He was an avid watercolorist and shared many of his works with friends and family. Jack’s devotion to family, faith, country, and local history remained constant. He will be remembered with gratitude for a life of service.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Jane Adams, and husband Gregory Adams of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania and granddaughter, Rachel Adams, his dear friend, Kathy Polcrack of Wyomissing, and five nieces and nephews and their families.

A public Celebration of life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Private interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair, for family will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Majestic Theater Association, the Pottsville Public Library, or Trinity Episcopal Church.

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.  www.brucethartfuneralhome.com