Alfred J. Schnabel

Alfred J. Schnabel, 83, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025, in his residence. Mr. Schnabel was born on September 25, 1941, in New York City, a son of the late Alfred E. and Hedwig (Lorenz) Schnabel, and graduated from Bergenfield High School, Bergenfield, NJ, in 1959. Upon graduating from high school, Alfred enrolled in Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, where he earned his bachelor's degree in history. Stationed in San Salvador, Bahamas, Alfred proudly served his country in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. After his honorable discharge, Alfred began his career as an insurance adjuster, which spanned over 60 years until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Castle, where he previously served on the parish council and was a member of the choir. On June 29, 1974, he married the former Rita Rose Lomicka, who survives at home. He had a great appreciation for music, demonstrated by his playing of the trombone as an inaugural member of the Lawrence County Community Band and his service as a member of the Messiah Choir for over 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards with his friends at Challenges, New Castle, and board games with his grandchildren. Alfred is also survived by a son, Alfred Schnabel (Angela), Cranberry Twp.; a daughter, Rita Rose Ditch (Joseph), New Castle; a sister, Florence Wells (Tim), East Stroudsburg; his four beautiful "angel" grandchildren, Edward Henry, John Albert, Patrick Joseph, and Nicholas Charles; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Morath; a brother-in-law, Frank Morath; and a niece, Allison Morath. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Alfred's name to American Red Cross or the New Castle Public Library. Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m., Friday (9-5-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday (9-6-25), in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2601 Highland Ave., New Castle, with Rev. David A. Snyder, officiating. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, New Castle.