Gary Anthony Schneider

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 26, 1943, to Tony T. and Jean Schneider. The family later moved Gary and his younger sister, Pam, to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they spent their childhood. Gary graduated from Scottsdale’s Arcadia High School in 1962, where he actively participated in track.

Gary later married, joined the Marine Corps where he served for more than 2 years active and 3 years in Reserve, had one son, Patrick, and earned a degree in engineering from Arizona State University, all while working in the Defense industry at Talley Industries, Mesa, Arizona.

Through his career, Gary traveled the world, forming connections, and embracing everyone he met as family. He was a loyal friend, a mentor to many, and lived in Tempe, Arizona, for nearly 60 years, affectionately known as the “Tempe Toad.”

Gary worked for Talley Defense systems (member of Nammo Group) for over 34 years as Director of Strategic Development and Director of Weapons system programs. Gary was Chairman of the NAC Executive Committee (National Armaments Consortium) for over 16 years (1999-2015), the group focused on advancement of weapons and ammunition systems to support the needs of national defense and our warfighters.

After leaving Talley in 2001 Gary opened his own company (G. Schneider & Associates Inc.), which was a consultant firm for over 20 years, focusing on serving clients in the defense, aerospace, biotechnology and national security sectors.

Gary was a driving force behind the DOTC (Department of Defense, Industry/Academic Consortium) where he was Co-Chairman of the Executive committee for over 13 years (2002 – 2015).

Gary was extremely proud of his family. He is survived by his son, Patrick A. Schneider, daughter-in-law, Jan, and three granddaughters, referred to by the family as the “Schneiderettes”, Regan (28) entrepreneur/restauranteur, Erin (24) marine biologist, and Brynn (20) singer/songwriter.

He was a loving father, grandfather (Opah), and friend, whom will be deeply missed by many.

Cheers to a life well lived.

A funeral service will be held on November 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

Following the funeral service, a committal service will take place from 11:00 am to 11:30 am at the same location.