Fred Schneider

Ernest Frederick “Fred” Schneider, 94, of New Cumberland, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on February 28, 1931, he was the son of the late Ernst Paul and Emma (née Kammerer) Schneider. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann (née Weaver) Schneider; and a sister, Erna Marie Broujos.

Growing up in Carlisle, Fred was a member of the First Lutheran Church. He was also active in the Sunday School and Boy Scout Troop 163 at the Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church. When Fred was 16, he was selected from among 400 other applicants to attend the 1947 World Scouting Jamboree near Paris, France. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carlisle, he traveled by ship to Europe for 6 weeks. After returning he spoke to various organizations about his trip. Fred became an Assistant Scoutmaster and Cub Scout Pack Leader and continued being active with scouting during a large portion of his life, eventually becoming an Assistant Scout Leader with his son Kirk’s Boy Scout troop.

Fred was a 1948 graduate of Carlisle High School. He attended Shippensburg State Teacher’s College until he turned 21 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He received his flight training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas, and was later stationed at Parks Air Force Base, California. After two years in the Air Force, Fred returned to Shippensburg and in 1955 completed his bachelor’s degree in education. His primary career was teaching science at the New Cumberland Middle School for over 30 years.

Fred had a lifelong interest in electronics and radio and was a long time Amateur Radio operator with the call sign of W3DLO. He enjoyed making his own equipment and antennas and loved making contacts with other amateur operators from all over the world.

Fred enjoyed organic gardening and generously shared his bountiful harvest of tomatoes. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer, completing many home improvements over the years. He was able to fix almost anything! He enjoyed working with wood and would craft useful items and simple games for his grandchildren. Fred was always curious and was a life-long learner who instilled in others a love of figuring out how things work.

He was a member of Trinity Church of New Cumberland, where he attended the men’s Sunday school class, assisted with Boy Scout Troop 269, and played in the adult handbell choir.

Fred had a cheerful disposition - he loved to laugh and make others laugh with a good joke or a prank. Even later in life when facing physical challenges, he was always grateful and thanked those who cared for him.

Surviving are Fred’s two sons and a daughter; Kirk F. Schneider and wife, Sarah E. Batchelor of Springfield, Delaware County, Karen A. Schneider of Harrisburg, and Keith A. Schneider of New Cumberland; and two grandchildren, Claire E. Schneider and Paul J. Schneider.

Graveside services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township at 12:30PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with the Rev. Arun Andrews of Trinity Church of New Cumberland officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church of New Cumberland, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.