CASTLE HAYNE – Joseph “Joe” Anthony Schlegel, 84, of Castle Hayne, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.
Mr. Schlegel was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Passaic, New Jersey, son of the late Anthony John Schlegel and Mary Sondey Schlegel.
He graduated from New Hanover High School, proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and then went on to graduate from UNCW. He was employed as manager with ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service) in New Hanover County and was assistant manager with Pitt County ASCS, and then was manager of Wayne County ASCS.
Due to his love of the television industry, he pursued this interest as general sales manager for WECT and later became president/ CEO of WWAY.
Upon retirement he established the Schlegel Advertising Agency in 1992, with his son, Joel, joining this family business in 1994.
Joe was a devout Catholic and served as chairman of the Building Committee at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He was a former Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors, member of the Optimist Club, Cape Fear Men’s Club, and founding member of the Castle Hayne Classic Golf Tournament.
He adored his family, loved playing poker with his friends, enjoyed traveling, and never met a stranger. On weekends he was a gentleman farmer, growing grain on his own Schlegel Farms.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pat Schlegel; son, Joel Schlegel (Anne) of Castle Hayne; daughter, Victoria Schlegel Sowers of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Rachel, Daniel, and Michael Sowers; sister, Cecelia Furman; brother, Tony Schlegel (Wendy); and beloved multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Prior to the visitation, a Rosary Service will be held starting at 5:30 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Rev. Roger Nyimi officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429, or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
