Joseph Schanda

Newmarket - Joseph Schanda, 94, of Newmarket, died October 17, 2024 at Rockingham County Nursing Home in Brentwood.
One of eleven children, he was born July 15, 1930 on the family homestead in Newmarket, the son of Frank and Mabel (Morrison) Schanda. He was a 1948 graduate of Newmarket High School, and a lifelong resident of Newmarket.
Joe served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952 and was a Korea veteran.
He worked in the Planning Department at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Prior to his retirement in 1986 he worked at Nuclear Type Desk for ten years.
Joe was an active life member of the Robert G. Durgin American Legion Post 67 in Newmarket, where he had served as Commander and Chaplain. He was also active in District and Department, holding a variety of positions including Department Commander, and Judge Advocate. He was involved in various clubs in the Legion.
He was elected to serve two terms in the NH House of Representatives and was also appointed to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee to the Fish & Game Commission, where he served for 16 years.
Joe was also a member of Rising Star Lodge #47 F&AM, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1934 in Newmarket, the Dover Lodge of Elks #186, and the Moose Lodge 2276 in Zephyrhills, FL.
He loved to hunt and enjoyed hunting game around the world with his brother "Joe Dixx". Joe loved Great Bay and the outdoors where he spent time fishing, oystering, lobstering, and clamming.
He was predeceased by his wife Alice (Mahan) Schanda who died in 1997.
Survivors include his children, Gail Marie Pockels of Newmarket, Shelly Ann Schanda of Newmarket, and Joseph Schanda Jr. of Fresno, CA; step-children, Stephen Denyou and Michael Denyou both of Exeter; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory, 77 Exeter Road (Route 108), Newmarket, on Monday, Oct. 21st from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. American Legion Services and Masonic Lodge Services will take place at 6:30 pm.
Following cremation private burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Newmarket.
Rather than flowers memorials may be made to the Children & Youth Foundation, C/O Robert G. Durgin American Legion, Main St, Newmarket.
Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.
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