Obituary

William Bertrand Schneider
(12/13/1925 – 10/2/2022)

William B. Schneider died peacefully at his final home, Presentation Rehab and Skilled Care Center after more than three years’ residence. Bill leaves two children, Linda (of Malden, MA) and Catherine (of Beaverton, OR) who will miss him dearly. Bill and his late wife Adele passed a love of education to their children.

Bill Schneider was born in Greenwich, Connecticut where his late parents, Bertrand William and Helen worked on an estate in the roaring 20s. After the Depression hit, the family moved to Oyster Bay, New York where Bill was raised.

He served honorably in the Army in World War Two, then took advantage of GI Bill benefits to pursue a bachelor’s in Math and Science at New York State College for Teachers at Albany (now SUNY Albany). Graduating from Albany in 1950, he received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1951. Bill did not pursue a teaching career, instead using his math and science background and spatial intelligence to start a career first as a mechanical draftsman, then a mechanical designer and engineer. He spent the final part of his career collaborating with a brilliant engineer and friend, Irwin Kaplan.

Bill met his late wife, Adele, roller skating in the spring of 1953. Bill enjoyed frequent banter with Linda during her visits and talking politics with Catherine on the phone from Oregon. Bill worked hard most of his life to provide for his family, despite a serious mental illness. Bill and Adele did their best to raise their two daughters under challenging circumstances.

Bill’s daughters are extremely grateful to the Presentation Rehab staff for the excellent and personalized care he received during the last three years of his life despite the many challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Bill continued to refer to Presentation as home and to take comfort from the many kind nurses, nursing assistants, activities, kitchen, and housekeeping staff whose hard work provided him with cherished independence and support. Special thanks to Assistant Director of Nursing Erin O’Brien, 2 East Unit Charge Nurse, Kate Okafor, Nursing Assistants Sylvetta and Marie, Director of Activities Regine St. Pierre and so many others (big shout out to Stella!).

The family will hold a memorial service over the Christmas holidays and another next spring.

Directions to Funeral Home