George Thomas Schickel

George Thomas Schickel, known as “Tom” or “Tommy”, “Dad” and “Papaw”, as well as “Mr. Schickel, my favorite teacher of all” passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025 in New Albany, Indiana at the age of 78.

Tommy lived the majority of his days in Southern Indiana, notable exceptions being carefree childhood summers spent in New England and a life changing tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean aboard the USS Newport News, having joined the United States Navy at the tender age of 18 in 1965 upon graduating from New Albany High School.

The eldest child of the late George Strack Schickel and Kathryn O’Malley Schickel, Tommy traveled most summers of his childhood with his mother, and later his siblings, the thousand miles to Leominster, Massachusetts, where Kathryn was born and raised before moving with and marrying George in Indiana. Those summers were glorious weeks with family and a neighborhood full of summer friends. Those were hands down Tommy’s favorite early memories, which drew him to make more memories as an adult by bringing his own family to New England over the years, staying with his “little sisters”, Barbara and Maureen and their families. Later one of his sisters moved to Gilbert, Arizona where Tommy enjoyed visiting; he appreciated the Northeast as much as the Southwest.

Onboard the USS Newport News, Tommy adapted quickly (but not easily) to the cramped quarters and stringent charge of command, but he never got used to the ship being actively fired upon or the death and destruction of war. He mastered his electronics training in the Navy, took very seriously the need to get it right when so many depended on him, and later in life, he was proud, but never boastful, regarding his service to his country. He often wore his Vietnam Veteran baseball cap but always directed gratitude to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Honorably discharged in 1969, Tommy attended Indiana University Southeast to study psychology, and later changed his studies to become a teacher which provided him the opportunity to share his love of language, the sciences, math, history, and the arts to hundreds of upper elementary students over the years through a unique teaching style all his own complete with rhythm and rhyme, hands on projects, immersive experiences, and his signature keen wit.

Tommy taught full time at Northaven Elementary for approximately 30 years and even after retirement continued to sub at his favorite school. He was highly entertaining at the head of his class but never easy as he had exacting standards for himself and others. Over the years, his students would praise him for his impact, for instilling their love of learning and for the skills and tenacity it takes to get it right.

Tommy was immensely talented across disciplines; he could write, draw, paint, design, sculpt, and even build furniture. If he had a piece of cardboard, he could build anything. Among his cardboard creations, those who knew him, may remember a horse carousel and a jukebox, both fully functioning complete with lights and electricity and a life size cannon, crafting these for the school plays and participating in local theatre. With an amazingly astute sense of humor, he was a master of word play. When Tommy was speaking, you better bet it was always, “pun intended.” A lifelong learner, who always challenged himself to go higher and further, he literally took to the skies by earning his pilots license from Purdue University. He loved to fly and he loved fast cars, even owning a Ferrari at one point.

Tommy had a great appreciation for being served a good meal (he did not cook), playing a good game of cards or board game, listening to music, going to a show, reading, and attending family gatherings.

Tommy is survived by his beloved daughter, Sarah Manring, her devoted husband, Dallas, who Tommy loved; his granddaughters Rachel and Reece, who were both the apple of his eye, and his dear sisters back in Massachusetts, Barbara Burgos and Maureen Deiana and their families. He also leaves behind his closest friends, Dan and Jacquie Drummond, whose decades old friendship and companionship were present to the end of his life.

In addition to Tommy’s parents and several members of his extended family, he is preceded in death by his former wife, the mother of his beloved daughter, his cherished friend and confidante of over 58 years, Sharon Hunt Schickel who sadly passed away all too soon and not even 3 months ago on September 12, 2025.

A memorial visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, located at 2776 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, Indiana, 47150, on December 14, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Military honors will follow at Kraft Funeral Service on December 14, 2025, starting at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kosair For Kids, a charity near and dear to both Sharon and Tommy.