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FEBRUARY 23, 2012 -- William F. Schnell, 80, of Warren, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012.
Born Oct. 5, 1931, at his family homestead in Warren, William was the son of the late William F. and Grace I. (Sheldon) Schnell. He graduated from New Milford High School in the class of 1950. In July 1952, he began a tour of duty in the Korean War, serving as Corporal First Class specializing in artillery until June 1954, when he received an honorable discharge due to injuries received in the line of duty. He married Ruth (Monroe) Schnell in 1957 and built a home in 1972, where he raised a family. In his early career, he worked for the Town of Warren Highway Department. He then worked as a machine operator at Kimberly-Clark from 1961 to 1964. His career as a sheet metal machinist at PTC Aerospace in Litchfield lasted 30 years until his retirement in 1995.
While raising his family, he served the community of Warren as a former member of the Warren Volunteer Fire Company, as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster for over 20 years, as well as a member of the Board of Finance. He was the Master of three area Granges with 66 years of service and an active member of the American Legion for over 50 years.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. In addition, he enjoyed playing golf and traveling. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was a weekend camping trip to the Catskills, trout fishing in Vermont, or a beach bonfire at Lake Waramaug, time was always made to be with family. He will be remembered most for his unique sense of humor; generous spirit; quiet but forceful strength and integrity; and genuine country boy charm.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth M. Schnell of Warren, Conn.; two sons, William F. Schnell III and his fiancée, Gretchen Sullivan, of East Haven, Conn., and Charles M. and Kara Schnell of Williamsburg, Mass.; his daughter and son-in-law. Heather L. and Arnold Villarreal of Westminster, Calif.; three grandchildren, Hayleigh and Jordan Schnell, and Aaron Villarreal; and a stepgrandchild, Alex Villarreal; two sisters, Grace Johnson and Martha Shook of West Hartford; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, six sisters, and one daughter.
In celebration of Bill's life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. at the Warren Congregational Church. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Warren Congregational Church Book of Remembrance, 4 Sackett Hill Road, Warren, CT 06754; or to the Warren Prime Timers, Warren Town Hall, 50 Cemetery Road, Warren, CT 06754.
To send an online condolence to the Schnell family, kindly visit www.rowefuneralhome.net. |
