Charles R. Schneider

Charles R. Schneider, 86, passed away unexpectedly on September 5, 2015. He was a rock to all who knew and loved him, a larger than life Renaissance Man who showed passion for everything, and anything, that he ever undertook. Charlie was born on August 28, 1929, in Englewood, NJ. He was a member of the New York City Police Athletic League Senior Soccer champions in 1947. Charlie proudly served his country, in the United States Naval Reserve from 1947 to 1951, in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, and in the United States Army Reserve from 1953 to 1957. During his tour in the United States Army, after training at White Sands Proving Ground/Missile Range, he served in the Korean War, as a member of the 169th Signal Construction Company. During his tour, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was also awarded the Korean War Service Medal on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. On August 8, 1953, upon returning from Korea, Charlie married Barbara Laurette Merz. Their honeymoon was at Lake George, NY, where they vacationed many times over their 62-year marriage. Charlie graduated with an Associate of Applied Science from New York City Community College of Applied Arts and Sciences, in 1957. Charlie worked in the telecommunications industry, for the New York Telephone Company, as a Switchman, from 1950-1958, and for the Southeastern Telephone Company, as a Microwave Technician. In 1960, he moved to Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and worked for Western Electric as an Engineering Associate. He moved to Gainesville, FL, in 1963, and worked for Southern Bell, starting as a Toll Testboard Man, and retiring as a Supervisor in the District Plant Office. Charlie maintained a Florida State Teacher’s Certificate from 1964 to 1984, and was a member of the Santa Fe Continuing Education Faculty at Santa Fe Community College, where he taught both Electronics and Data Processing. As a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers, a volunteer organization of telecommunication industry workers, Charlie and Barbara, spent many Thursdays stuffing bears for the Hug-A-Bear program. Charlie is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62-years, Barbara, his son Charles and wife Milissa, Leesburg, FL, his daughter Lynne, Panama City, FL, his two grandchildren, Christina, Indianapolis, IN, and Andrew, Clarksville, IN, and his brother, Leonard, of Ft. Myers, FL. The family will receive friends Friday, September 11, 2015, 5:00pm to 6:00pm at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, followed by a service honoring Mr. Schneider from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Advent Christian Village, 10680 Dowling Park Dr., Dowling Park, FL 32064.

Charles R. Schneider

August 28, 1929 - September 5, 2015