George C. Schneider's Obituary
GEORGE CHARLES SCHNEIDER, age 93. of Strongsville, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2015. Devoted husband of the late Delphine for 66 years, beloved father of Susan L. Minor (Joseph), proud grandfather of Mallory and Julie Minor. Known as a gentleman and a scholar, Mr. Schneider was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for both Olmsted Falls and Berea City Schools as a Distinguished Staff member for major contributions to those school systems. He began his career in 1947 at Olmsted Falls, teaching there for 12 years. In 1956, he was elected president of the Cuyahoga County Education Association. Mr. Schneider began teaching at Berea High School in 1959 and within three years he was named chairman of the History department. In 1963, he was awarded the prestigious John Hay Fellowship, which granted him a one year sabbatical for further studies at Northwestern University. He was one of only three high school teachers in Ohio to receive the honor for that school year. Three years later, Mr. Schneider was named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar for his excellence in teaching. During his 30 years in education, he helped train 19 student teachers from Baldwin-Wallace College and Bowling Green University and retired from teaching in 1977. A highly respected educator, former students from the classes of 1950 through 1977 had kept in contact with him through the years. A 1943 graduate of Hiram College, George retained a sense of loyalty to his school and served on the Alumni Executive Board for four years and helped to plan their 50th class reunion in 1993. He also earned a Master’s Degree in History from (Case) Western Reserve University. During World War II, he served with the 98th Infantry division in the Pacific, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was in the army of occupation in Japan when the war ended. In recent years, George and Delphine attended many army reunions in various states; throughout his life he was a patriotic veteran who loved his country. Another great love of Mr. Schneider’s was his Masonic affiliation. He was a 57 year member of Quarry Lodge #382 (Berea), former marshal of Triangle Council #139, a Knight Templar, a 32 degree Mason, and a Shriner. He wrote the history of Berea Lodge, covering 1942-1967. As a member of Heritage Congregational Church, he served as a deacon in the 1980’s. A man of many interests, he enjoyed gardening, bird-watching, photography, woodworking, traveling, storytelling, genealogy, and was a collector – a passion he shared with his son-in-law, Joe. George was a devoted family man, who was most proud of raising his daughter, Susan, with Delphine and cherished his granddaughters, Mallory and Julie. His family, friends, neighbors, and students will miss him greatly. As a man of character, George lived his life with integrity, honesty, loyalty and always loved to say: “That reminds me of a story…” Memorial Contributions requested to Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association, PO Box 38244, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138. Funeral services at Heritage Congregational Church, 485 West Street, Berea, OH 44017 Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Interment Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends MONDAY 4 – 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).
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