Donald Edward Schick

Donald Edward Schick, pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Virginia (Ginny) Schick, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston on April 7, 2016. He was born and raised in East Rochester, New York, the youngest of four sons of William J. and Dora Crowley Schick. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Larry, Roy and William. Don proudly served his country as a Lieutenant pilot in the Army Air Force, flying missions aboard C-46 and C-54s while stationed in the South Pacific, Karachi and in the China-Burma-India theatre during WWII. After returning from the war, Don resumed his studies at Syracuse University, where he served as senior class president, student council chairman, president of Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society, and vice-president of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. He graduated with high honors and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University. Upon graduation in 1949, he began what would be a 37-year career with Exxon Chemical. Following their marriage in May of 1953, Don and Ginny lived in Cranford, New Jersey, Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Middletown, New Jersey before settling in Houston in 1965 and raising their five children.

A man of unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith and to his family, Don radiated happiness and complete satisfaction with where he was, who he was with, and what he was doing. As a founding member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Don faithfully served his parish community, as a Religious Education teacher and coordinator and later, as a pre-Cana sponsor and Men’s Club member. His commitment to his community included a tenure as President of Nottingham Civic Association and volunteer positions with Memorial West Swim Club.

His life-long love of music began when he took up the saxophone in high school, and he played Big Band-era songs in various bands during his youth. His passion for music continued throughout his life, performing as part of the Vianney Virtuosi, with son Bill at various benefit events, and at numerous family gatherings over the years. Don was at home in front of a crowd playing jazz-swing favorites or singing along with the crowd at a piano. He was also in his element in his tennis whites, enjoying daily rounds of doubles for many years with loyal friends on the courts of Memorial West. An animal lover all his life, Don especially doted on each of the dogs in the extended family and marveled as he sat in his backyard watching the hummingbirds at work and play.

Don cherished and loved his Ginny and the beautiful example of their marriage provided the cornerstone of a rich family life for his children and grandchildren. His patience was forever on display, whether he was determinedly and successfully getting yet another youngster up on water skis, sitting at the kitchen table completing a crossword puzzle, quietly reading just one more bedtime story to his grandchildren or trying to beat his adored wife and grandkids in a round of Boggle.

There is no doubt that a joyous re-union is taking place in Heaven right now---Don joining his ‘sweetheart’ Ginny in song and dance!

Don is survived by his son Robert and daughter-in-law Shelley Schick of Houston, their children and spouses Cameron and Nicole Schick and their sons Elliot and Brennan of Seattle, Washington and Katie and Harrison Manning and their children Evelyn and Jude of Charleston, SC; daughter and son-in-law Marybeth and Phil Henningsen of Moraga, CA and their daughters Molly, Sarah and Erika; daughter and son-in-law Patty and Paul Gannon of Sudbury, MA and their children Michael and his wife Whitney of New York, NY, Jacqueline and Sean; son and daughter-in-law Bill and Pam Schick of Houston and their daughter Jessica and her husband Ryan LaMore of Houston; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Ana Schick of Houston and their sons Ryan and Jake. He also leaves his sister-in-law Patricia McDonough of Verona, New Jersey and many loved nieces and nephews, dear friends and devoted caregivers Renate, Ethelean and Iris.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079 or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079, from 6 – 8 on Monday, April 11. The Rosary will be said at 7:30 pm.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 12 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079, Rev. Troy Gotely presiding.