Deacon San Angell goes over the patient list at St. Mary’s Catholic Home, Cherry Hill with Sister Benigna in this 1978 file photo.
In 1976, at the age of 69, San Angell was part of the first class of men in the Camden Diocese to be ordained as permanent deacons. By that time, Deacon Angell had already spent the better part of his life serving the local community as a lawyer and volunteer.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Deacon Angell received his law degree from University of Buffalo in 1932, and a master’s in social work from the same institution in 1939.
During World War II, spent most of his time in Europe as a field director for the American National Red Cross. He would go on to hold executive positions with the Camden County Chapter of the Red Cross, the Camden County Community Chest and Council, and the United Fund of Camden County. For many years, he was also involved with the Boy Scouts and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
In retirement he served as a permanent deacon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Woodlynne. (He spent 22 years in Cherry Hill, before living the last 10 years of his life in Philadelphia).
In his diaconate ministry, Angell visited St. Mary Catholic Home in Cherry Hill; shared his professional expertise with Catholic Social Services; and counseled people with marital problems, and problems associated with aging.
He also served for a time as president of the board of directors for Senior Citizens United Community Services of Camden County.
Angell once told the Catholic Star Herald that “helping people makes you feel that you’re paying rent for being on this earth.”
On April 13, 1992, at the age of 83, Angell died at St. Agnes Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Researched by Peter G. Sánchez and James A. McBride
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