Arthur R Schonheiter

Arthur "Art" Schonheiter, age 91, passed away peacefully in his home on February 4th, with his family at his side.

Born in 1934 in Princeton NJ, he was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bertha Schonheiter, and his brother, George "Ed" Schonheiter. He is survived by his sister Trudy Schonheiter Collins.

Art's lifelong love of athletics began at The Lawrenceville School, where he attended from 1946 to 1952. A standout multi-sport athlete, he competed in football, swimming, and baseball, earning numerous honors. He was named an All-American swimmer in 1951 and received the school's Best Athlete Award in 1952.

He continued his athletic and academic career at Springfield College from 1952 to 1956. There, Art competed in football and varsity swimming, served as president of the Aquatic Club, and earned recognition as a New England champion and silver medalist in the collegiate swimming championships.

Art dedicated his professional life to education and coaching. He began at Mercersburg Academy, where he served as head football coach, head swimming coach, and head baseball coach, in addition to his role as assistant director of athletics. He also founded and led the Pennsylvania Private School Swimming Coaches Association and worked as a liaison with the National Swimming Coaches Association.

While working full time and raising a young family, Art earned his master's degree in guidance and counseling from Shippensburg University. He took his time completing the degree, balancing the demands of work and fatherhood with his commitment to education and personal growth.

In 1971, Art returned to The Lawrenceville School, where he would spend nearly three decades shaping the lives of students and athletes. He served as assistant football coach, head swimming coach, housemaster of Kennedy House, and ultimately director of athletics from 1984 to 1999. During his tenure, he helped found the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL), served as chairman of the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming Championships, and was treasurer of the New Jersey Independent Schools Athletic Association. In 1985, he was honored with the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Service Award. After retiring as athletic director, he continued to serve the school through the alumni office.

Beyond his professional achievements, Art was deeply committed to his community. He served as deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville, and both president and executive director of Lawrenceville Main Street.

In his spare time he was a talented and meticulous woodworker, avid golfer and enjoyed his weekly poker nights. He also enjoyed vacationing at the beach with family and friends.

Art shared nearly seven decades of marriage with his beloved wife, Abelina, whom he married in 1956. Together they raised six children: Nina, Trudi, Jill, Ellen, Pattie, and Jennifer. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren (John, Kyle, Matthew, Rachel, Ross, Jason, Jessica, Sean, Micheal, Patrick, George, Phoebe and Audrey) and great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren (Cole, Jake, Lily, Juliet, Katelynn, Alexander, Skylar, Jack, Avelina, Adelyn, and Violet), all of whom were a constant source of joy.

Art will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to young people, athletics, his community, and most of all his family.

A memorial will be held at The Lawrenceville School Chapel on Saturday, March 21st at 1pm. A reception will follow at the Abbott Dining Hall on the Lawrenceville School campus from 2-4pm.

Donations to the American Heart Association can be made in Arts name at www.heart.org.