Richard M. Schneer

WILLIAMSTOWN -- Richard Moses Schneer, 85, of Sweetbrook Nursing Home died there on Saturday, following a long illness.

Born July 7, 1919 in New York City, son of Jacob Bernard and Sadie Glass Schneer, he attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens, N.Y., the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in 1940, and Columbia University, from which he earned his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1943.

He enlisted in the Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant and went to India in preparation for the invasion of Japan.

Returning to New York City in 1946, he joined and later inherited and further built his father's dental practice. Still later, he helped establish and became editor of a professional newspaper, the Dental Times.

Dr. Schneer was a member of left-wing circles in New York City, including the Friends of India, an organization he helped to found, and which found its way onto the attorney general's list of subversive organizations.

In 1961, he moved with his family to Hancock, where he became active in the conservation movement. He fought long and hard to preserve the rural character of that township.

During the Vietnam War he was among Berkshire County's critics of American policies. He also was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement.

Dr. Schneer leaves his wife of many years, the former Sophie Solomonff; a daughter Deborah Schneer of North Adams; a son, Jonathan Schneer of Decatur, Ga., and two grandsons, all of Decatur, Ga.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- A celebration of the life of Richard Moses Schneer will be Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4:30 at the Pittsfield Unitarian Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Ave. Interment will take place privately. Arrangements are under the direction of the GEORGE M. HOPKINS FUNERAL HOME, 61-67 Spring St., Williamstown. He leaves two grandsons, Benjamin and Seth, of Decatur. A man of principle and character, loyal to his friends, loving to his family, he is mourned and will be missed by many.