Stephen Peter Schneider

Stephen was born in Sudbury, Ontario on August 19, 1970 to Patricia Mary Ann Gilhooley (1942-2013) and Peter William Schneider (1939-2014). Just like his father, he had a rare gift for music. He could play anything on the piano by ear and many other instruments to match. While in Sudbury he was part of the local ska band “Vic and the Meat Kings” where you could catch him tickling the ivories in his relaxed and expert style across the city and especially at the Town House.

When he moved to Toronto, he enjoyed and explored many facets of the city, connecting with various communities. He took on roles as a waiter, a bike courier and the many years he worked in the Distillery District as a runner and coordinator at the Christmas Market, all of which spoke to his adventurous spirit and his love of connection with people and friends. Each Christmas one of the great joys he brought to people were his renditions on the keyboard of “Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues, one of his personal favourites.

When you were with him for a game of trivial pursuit, out for a drink in Liberty Village, or enjoying the Raptors or Leafs, he always had a witty remark or sly observation that would never fail to make you laugh. He brought people joy. Whether a friend, a neighbour, or even if you met him in passing, his friendly and charming presence had the gift of inviting others to feel at ease. He extended this gift to his later work of taking care of animals in the form of dogwalking, some of whom had difficult beginnings. Alongside the love of their new families and Stephen’s careful and gentle assistance, they learned what it feels like to trust humans, develop bonds with other dogs, and feel loved.

Stephen was a kind and gentle soul who will be forever cherished by his dear friend Stephanie, brother Philip (Jeanine), sister Holly (Cam), and his many many friends who were his chosen family.

Stephen’s family and friends will gather at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home at 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1G3 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Visitation from 4:00pm-6:00pm, Service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in memory of Stephen to Sistema Toronto, a local musical charity helping children in underserved communities, at the link below.