Donald F. Schneck, dedicated educator
Donald F. Schneck, 89, passed away at his home in Milton Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He was born June 15, 1931, in Johnstown, Pa.
Don graduated from Ferndale High School in 1949 and began working at Bethlehem Steel. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged at the rank of staff sergeant. Don obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and taught elementary school in the Pittsburgh area. He married Marie Sharretts in 1959, and they moved to New Castle County in 1964. Don obtained his master’s degree from the University of Delaware and began working as an elementary school teacher in the Newark area. Soon after, he became an elementary school principal, working in the Newark area until he retired in 1991, moving to Sussex County in 1994.
Don enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, travelling and going to the beach. Dedicated to improving the lives of children, he served on the Red Clay Consolidated School Board and on the Child Placement Review Board in addition to his career in education. While living in upstate Delaware, he was an avid fan of Blue Hens sports teams, holding season tickets to UD football for many years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wilmington, and upon retirement he became a member of Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth. He was very active in church, including participating in church services by reading scripture, leading worship services at Cape Henlopen State Park, and attending Bible study. Don was a Salvation Army bell ringer for many years in northern and southern Delaware. He was a longtime member of the Freemasons, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Elks and VFW. He was a past master of Hiram Lodge #25 in Newark and Jefferson Lodge #15 in Lewes. Don was also a member of Endeavor Lodge #17 in Milton. He was a member of the Grand Staff of the AF&AM of Delaware 2004-05. He was a past exalted ruler of Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge #2540 in Lewes, a member of the Delaware Retired School Personnel Association, Delaware Elementary School Principals Association, and National Association of Elementary School principals.
Don was predeceased by his mother, Hilda Williams; his stepfather, Theodore Schwing; and his grandparents, Martha and Otto Schneck. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Schneck; his sons: Donald P. Schneck (Deanna Dal Gesso-Jones) and Eric Schneck; his grandchildren: Donald J. Schneck (Heather Carmody) and Stephanie Schneck (Justin Bowie); his great-grandchildren: Ashlyn, Ava and Cecily Schneck; and his many nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice for their kind, attentive care.
Memorial Services will take place Monday, March 22, at 11 a.m., at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach. Visiting hours are from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. For those who can't attend the service in person, you are invited to view a livestream of the service by visiting the church's Facebook page March 22, at 11 a.m., and following the link provided. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Please visit Don’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
