George H. Schneider
George H. Schneider
George H. Schneider of Philadelphia passed away on April 27, 2020, from Covid-19 at the age of 88. Born in Philadelphia in 1931, he spent his life there, having graduated from Frankford High School, Drexel University, and completing his Masters + 30 degree at Temple University.
His life was characterized by wholehearted devotion. His family meant everything to him. He was married to his wife, Mary, for over 63 years; she preceded him in death by only three days. They were a shining example of love and wonderful role models to their two daughters, Marylee Sauder (Rick) of Lancaster, Pa.; and Jean Schneider of New York City; and to their beloved granddaughters, Nicole Sauder and Maria Sauder.
George was a faithful Christian and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he served for 27 years as Clerk of Session. He wholly embraced everything about First Church and felt so fulfilled to be active in the life of its congregation. He felt privileged to be able to participate in the community organizing groups, Philadelphia Interfaith Action (PIA) and Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), and in the church’s mission trips to Mexico.
He was a dedicated teacher and taught business subjects for more than 35 years at Mastbaum Area Vocational High School in the Kensington section of the city. So many students feared his classes as freshman only to have him again as seniors, at which time they recognized how much they had learned and how much better prepared for the job market they were because of his classes.
George was passionate about history, an avid reader and movie-goer, and loved to travel, putting great effort into creating the most memorable vacations. He was incredibly witty and a real conversationalist; he loved to be among people and to dine in lively restaurants. He played piano quite well by ear and was an ardent music lover, attending as many orchestra concerts, operas, and chamber music recitals as he could each year. He loved to play golf and study the game, and he was one of the Phillies’ biggest fans, having partial season tickets for years, including the 2020 season. He had great respect for the sport of baseball, and he did not miss an inning of a game, keeping score until the last out.
A joint memorial service will be held for George and Mary at a later date when the coronavirus pandemic has passed. Memorial gifts may be sent in Mary and George’s honor to First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, 201 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19103, or Settlement Music School, 416 Queen Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19147.
He was much loved by us and will be missed. God bless his living legacies and he and Mary’s examples of grace and kindness.
George and Mary personified the love of First Church at 21st and Walnut. They still do… and ever will for anyone who was blessed to know them, even for a moment.
Impossible to believe that they are both gone, in such a short period of time. Will pray that the outpouring of love will in some way console the family.
George’s wit and caring for all aspects of First Church will live on. He was a wonderful, loving person and will not be forgotten.
George lived his faith, 24/7. In our many hours together over the years, he taught me, above all, grace. He and Mary created a loving, talented legacy in their daughters, Marylee and Jean. May their grace give comfort and peace to all who know them.
I just can’t believe it. Thank God we had our PNC reunion a few years ago and all got to be together again. These two were just beloved by so many. May our love and God’s grace sustain the family.
George and Mary lived a wonderful life. They will be missed.
I enjoyed all the years working with George at Mastbaum What great stories we have, Barbara and I enjoyed both George and Mary, We even had a Sarasota connection.
George Schneider helped shape my path in life. I come from a family of business teachers, but never wanted to be one. Then, for two years starting in September, 1973, I had the distinct honor of being a student in George’s shorthand (Pitman) class. He was a wonderful teacher—tough, with very high standards, but kind and fair with a dry wit. By June, 1975, I knew I wanted to be a business teacher like Mr. Schneider. Though he rarely accepted student teachers, beginning in January, 1980, I was lucky to student teach with George. Honestly, I learned more about being an educator in my time as a student and student teacher with George Schneider than I did through two degrees at Temple University. George gave me my teaching wings and then helped me fly.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to introduce George to my son. I explained George’s profound influence in my life. Embarrassed and surprised, George seemed pleased by my praise. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me and to thank him. I will forever be grateful for George Schneider’s influence in my life.
Dear Jeannie and Marylee
I remember meeting your lovely parents in Philly after the concert we played together jeannie exactly a year ago today. I remember them being very warm and sweet. Reading these obituaries, I now know where you got your warmth and baseball knowledge Jeanie.
Please know that Layale and I are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.
May they rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the Schneider family!
Death is always unexpected and so deeply felt by those left behind!
This Covid19 has taken a lot of our great ones, However it is a powerful thing
Sorry to see Mr. Schneider go. He was a dedicated teacher to his students. Mr. Schneider was my typing teacher back then when we had typewriters in the 1980’s at Mastbaum Voc Tech. He was very disciplined at what he did. But because of his ways I learned to type very fast.
Thank you Mr. Schneider for what you did.
George and Mary were the epitome of graciousness. I had the privilege of knowing them my entire life. Their love of life through family, travel cultural events, church and baseball was evident to all who we’re fortunate enough to know them. Their legacy will live on through their daughters Marylee and Jeannie and beloved granddaughters Nicole and Maria.