Donald Robert Schneider

Donald Robert Schneider, 85, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Donald was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Sally Rosenberg Schneider and Philip Schneider. At the young age of 16 he attended Ohio State University. His studies were interrupted by a year in the United States Army where he was selected to play the clarinet in the Walter Reed Army Band. He continued service in the Pennsylvania National Guard for an additional four years.

Upon graduation from Ohio State, Donald joined his parents and older brother, Leonard, in the family hardware business. He and Leonard expanded the business by opening additional locations and succeeded by providing knowledgeable and friendly service.

In 1954 Donald married Sondra Weinstein and they had three children, Stefanie, Gary and Joel. They lived in Pittsburgh until 2008 when they moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to their family.

Donald was a people person. He loved to meet new people and learn about their lives and livelihoods. He was able to see the good in everyone and enjoyed sharing his stories and experiences. He also enjoyed a good joke, a festive party, a gourmet meal, especially smoked fish platters, and his scotch. He was an avid Steelers football fan and he loved to travel. Donald had a wry sense of humor and he tickled the hearts of his friends, family, and many of the staff who worked with him as he suffered with Alzheimer’s the past few years.

Donald took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all their accomplishments and was happy to share them with you. He particularly valued the many festive family gatherings they shared. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children, Stefanie and Doug Kahn, Gary and Elise Schneider and Joel and Jane Schneider, and his seven grandchildren, Lauren, Michael and Daniel Kahn and Philip, Ben, Sam and Margo Schneider.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Jewish Community Center at 12804 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 where a memorial garden will be established in his name, or to the Bryan Center for Alzheimer’s Research at Duke University, 512 South Mangum Street, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27701.

A graveside memorial service will be held for family members on Wednesday December 19th. The family will be receiving visitors Wednesday, from 7:00 – 9:00PM and on Thursday from 4:00 – 9:00PM at the home of Stefanie and Doug Kahn, 1500 Spruce View Lane, Raleigh.