William (Bill) Schneider, 88, of Williamsburg, VA passed away peacefully at home on June 7th, 2025.
He is survived by his daughter, Claire (Lee), and sons, Edward (Tanya), Paul (Toni), Phillip, and Mark. Bill will be fondly remembered as a loving ‘Poppop’ to Sarah, Nicolas, Erin, Emily, and Armand.
He is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Millie, as well as sisters, Jane, Muriel, Eleanor, and brother, Edward. Also, his beloved wife of 55 years, Madeleine, to whom he remained devoted to until her passing in 2016.
Bill was born on March 18th, 1937, in Laurelton, NY, where he grew up the youngest of five children. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, where he graduated in1958 with a degree in Marine Engineering and received his commission in the U.S. Navy. During his time in service, Bill enjoyed seeing the world. When asked about the most beautiful place he’d visited during that time, Bill described driving down the coast of Naples to Salerno and experiencing the spectacular views of the sea. After his time at sea, Bill went on to earn two MS degrees from SUNY Stony Brook, in Mechanical Engineering and Marine Environmental Studies.
After graduating from the Academy, Bill worked as an engineer in various positions. He worked at the Navy Department at the Bureau of Ships, the Military Sea Transport Service, Brookhaven National Lab, and Thomas Jefferson Lab. Bill continued serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 34 years where he attained the rank of Captain.
Bill met his beautiful wife, Madeleine, on a blind date, and the two married in 1961. They lived in Manhattan after they got married but settled in Setauket, NY to raise their family. In 1986, he and Madeleine moved to Williamsburg after Bill accepted a job at Jefferson Lab.
Bill was committed to his family and forged many lasting friendships throughout his life. He will always be remembered as kind, welcoming, and one of the most generous men you would ever know. As an active parishioner at Saint Bede’s Catholic Church, Bill served as a Eucharistic minister and remained a man of unwavering faith throughout his life.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday June 20, 2025 at 12:00 noon at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Interment of ashes will occur in a private ceremony with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to House of Mercy in Williamsburg, where Bill was an active volunteer.
