William Joseph Schneider

1919 - 2018

William Joseph Schneider

William Joseph "Joe" Schneider, 98, of Hillsdale, NJ, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Joe is predeceased by his wife of 65 years Lucille Veronica (nee Volckening) and his 9 siblings. He is survived by his 8 children Joseph (Judith) of Arroyo Grande, CA, Frederick (Marilyn) of Hillsborough, NJ, Lucille of Westwood, NJ, Gretel of New Canaan, CT, Melinda Carney (Timothy) of Berkeley Heights, NJ, Henry (Judith) of Basking Ridge, NJ, Heidi McKay (Paul) of Cincinnati, OH and Jennifer Henni (Mark) of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; 22 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his sister Jean Rogers of Rutherford, NJ. Born September 3, 1919 in Columbus, OH to Philip and Nora Schneider; in 1931 Joe and his family moved to Rutherford, NJ. He graduated from St. Mary's Grammar and High School. In 2017, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. In 1941, Joe joined the Allied effort in World War II as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, serving in the Mediterranean Theatre. He was promoted to Major and received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 2016, the Air Force awarded him the Silver Star for gallantry in action on February 23, 1945. He often said he could not have survived WWII without his faith in God. Joe graduated from Fordham University in 1946. He joined The NCR Co., completing the largest sale in the history of the company. In 1959, he joined Brooklyn based Volckening Inc., where he worked as President, Chairman and Director. He traveled extensively for the company through the Americas & Asia. He retired from daily work in 2004 at the age of 85. Above all else, Joe was a family man. Married October 23, 1948, Joe and Lucille moved to Hillsdale, NJ in 1951, where the couple raised their 8 children. Known as "Pops" to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe and Lucille cherished the years the family gathered at their summer home in Cutchogue, NY. Joe was loved and admired for his kind heart, rich storytelling, and generous spirit. Central to a deep faith life, was Joe's dedication to St. John the Baptist Church & School in Hillsdale, NJ, where he co-chaired campaigns for the construction of the elementary school and church. Joe had many joys in life. He loved to sing, entertain, counsel, console, travel and learn. He was a father to many. He loved and was dedicated to God, Family and Country. The family will receive guests at St. John The Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley St, Hillsdale, NJ on Friday, January 5, from 2-5PM. A Mass celebrating Joe's life and faith will be held at 5PM. Interment will take place at 11:30AM January 6th at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. Memorial contributions can be made in William J. Schneider's name to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545.

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