John Charlton Pell

January 7, 1947 - March 20, 2022

John Charlton Pell, 75 January 7, 1947 - March 20, 2022 Born in Huntington, West Virginia John grew up in Pahokee, FL, back in the 50’s. He went to school barefooted with the hem of his jeans rolled. He milked the cow and chopped firewood (taking turns with older brother Chuck and younger brother Jimmy) before breakfast everyday. He was full of fun. One day while Momma hosted bridge club, he brought his goat “Gruffo” quietly up the backstairs and down the front stairs to the bridge party. He gave nicknames to all six of his siblings. The best nickname to baby sister, Kathy, born in the 60’s—The Punk! He played on all the sports teams at Pahokee High School: football, basketball, baseball, and track. He played football two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on scholarship earning an All-American National Junior College Honorable Mention Defensive Half Back Award. He and his close friend, Jack Sherrod, were able to play football together at NEO A&M. When Jack was sent to Viet Nam, he said John (always a brother) wrote him on a regular basis. On scholarship at Florida State, he played in the First Annual Peach Bowl and had the chance to play with another good Pahokee friend, Jim Tyson. John made the cover of Sports Illustrated during an FSU game (ask Tim Gillis for details). He started his career in the Florida Keys teaching Industrial Arts at Plantation Key High School. He developed his woodworking abilities while working with Gene Pickering (a fine Pahokee carpenter and contractor). He worked with Pickering all through high school and college breaks. As his love for the Keys grew, he became a Real Estate Broker, opened his own firm, and grew a successful business. He earned two CCIM Commercial-Investment Real Estate Council Certificates one for “Fundamentals of Real Estate Investment and Taxation” and the other for “Fundamentals of Location and Market Analysis.” His work attire consisted of tennis shorts and shoes. The nearby Cheeca Lodge called John anytime they had a guest looking for a tennis partner. He loved the game and played anytime he wasn’t working or on the beautiful blue water. While crossing the bridge near his office, he once told his son, Clay, “Roll down your window. Take a good look. Always remember, THIS IS LIVING!” He loved being a father and grandfather. His children found him to be a great mentor, giving them sound and unbiased advice—always there to listen. His sense of humor transferred through the family. The grandkids called him “Geez” short for old geezer. When he phoned the kids he always announced “It’s the Old Man”. When visiting his parents in Okeechobee, he and Rosanne fell in love with the beautiful, untouched land in Bassinger. They started clearing a bit, then RV’ing and planning on a future place to retire. Retirement came earlier than intended because they found it difficult to leave their land. Rosanne’s expert knowledge of horses helped them grow a successful boarding business. They enjoyed many years of riding and teaching grandkids, nieces, nephews, and neighbors to ride. He loved all the farm animals especially his horse, Dixie, and the dogs adopted because they were stray, homeless, and hungry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Weider and Jane Pell (Charlton). He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Rosanne Borg Pell; children, Johnna Pell Juarez (Fernando), Clayton Charlton Pell (Maria), John David Pell (Joe); grandchildren; Sophia Juarez, Jacob Juarez, Ava Pell, Kylie Pell, Willa Pell, Presley Pell; siblings; Charles Pell (Suzi), MaryJane Pell, Anne McIntosh, Jimmy Pell (Lydia), Peggy Krogel (Dave), Kathy Williamson (Lance). We will all miss John’s many strengths, kindness, honesty, compassion and love. He adored Rosanne, who remained by his side every day at Orchid Cove Rehab in Lake Placid. He was a true friend to many. Farewell John. No immediate memorial plans. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, P. O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury St., 5th Floor, Boston MA 02115 Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.