Richard F. "Dick" Schneider

Richard F. “Dick” Schneider passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022, at The Nottingham, 5 days shy of his 97th birthday, fulfilling his wish to be reunited with “His Shirl”. Dick was born on December 19, 1925, in Syracuse, NY to Fremont and Edith Schneider. In a twist of fate, he ended up on a blind date with a friend and met the love of his life. He married Shirley Louise Engel on June 16, 1945, and they were happily married for 72 years before Shirley passed in 2017. Having graduated from high school in 1943, Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was called up in 1944. He served his country in the US Army Air Corps European Theater based in Spinazzola Italy as a tail gunner on a B-24 Bomber during World War II. He was credited with 57 missions. Dick was honorably discharged after serving as a Captain in the Air Force Reserve. In his later years he and Shirley began attending reunions of the 460th Bomber Group where he rekindled friendships with his Army buddies. One of the highlights of their trips was being present at the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington DC. Also, along with his son Rick, best friend Dick Will and his son Eric, Dick was able to join one of the Syracuse Honor Flights to Washington DC. He and Rick also made a trip to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, where he was given rock star status and greeted with handshakes and many thanks for his service. Dick was a 1953 graduate of Syracuse University and held a degree in Industrial Engineering. Dick served his community when needed, serving as a charter member and past President of the Rotary Club of Eastwood Industrial Park, he was also a member of the Fluid Power Society, MACNY of CNY, The Syracuse Liederkranz Club, Clay Republican Committee and was a past President of the Mens Club at Luther Memorial Church. He also served on the Brewerton Chamber of Commerce for many years. When Dick was in high school, he worked for his parents learning the tool and die trade at his father’s company, Schneider Machine and Tool in Syracuse. He expanded his father’s business by designing new pieces of equipment to complete tasks in a more efficient manner. He also began designing machines not only for himself but for several other companies. In 1970 he took a leap of faith and began his own business, Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. He moved to several locations in the Brewerton NY area, settling into a brand-new building in 1982. He garnered much success over the years, thanks to a wonderful team of employees and customers from around the world. Dick was a lifelong boater and enjoyed playing golf and inventing things to make an efficient world. Dick is survived by his daughter Wendie Schneider of Wilmington, NC, son Richard and daughter-in-law Lynn Schneider of Brewerton NY. Granddaughters Stephanie Pope, Jenifer (Richard) Pontello, Lauren (Rod) Worden and Erin (Jason Barney) Schneider. Great grandchildren Devin (Brianna) Pope, Aisley Pope, Linley Pope, Dominick Merrill, and Ricky Pontello. Dick is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. Entombment will be private. We are forever grateful to the amazing staff at The Nottingham RHCF for their love, kindness and compassion shown to Dick over the past few months. They are all angels in our eyes. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037 or The Rescue Mission Alliance, 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Richard F. "Dick" Schneider

December 19, 1925 - December 14, 2022