Herman J. Schneider passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in the loving care of his family on Monday, September 18, 2017. He was 89 years old.
He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on April 9, 1928 to Herman W. Schneider and Elsie (Wilkie) Schneider. Following Elsie’s death soon after childbirth, Herman was raised by his grandmother in Germany, before his father remarried to Hedwig (Zirkler) Schneider. He had one half-brother, the late William Schneider.
Herman’s life was dedicated to his work, service to his community, and love for his family. He graduated from Worcester South High School and earned a technical degree from Worcester Technical College. He served in the U. S. Army and was stationed for a time in Germany during the Korean War. Soon after, his gift for organizing and planning landed him a job with General Electric’s Defense Systems Department (GE Ordnance) in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he started as a draftsman and retired as a Provisioning Analyst. During his 36-year career, Herman supported the missile systems of the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident nuclear submarine programs.
Active in his community, Herman coached Little League baseball and served as the president of Pittsfield’s East Little League. He was a scout leader for Cub Scout Pack 67 and a youth fellowship leader at First United Methodist Church. Through the years Herman took up skiing and golf. He loved Golden Retrievers, time in his garden, and the Boston Red Sox. During his retirement, he split time between Pittsfield and Naples, Florida.
Herman was above all else a loving family man. He married the late Donatienne (Bosserdet) Schneider on May 26, 1956 and together they raised five children during 45 years of marriage. He is survived by John (Mary Gaynor) Schneider of Lowell, MA, William (Christine) Schneider of Castle Pines, CO, Paul (Lisa) Schneider of Nashua, NH, Karen Schneider of Pittsfield, MA, and James (Catherine) Schneider of Dalton, MA; 10 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.


Funeral Notice – Calling hours for friends and family to share memories of a life well lived will be held on September 29th between 4 pm and 7 pm at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD STREET, PITTSFIELD. MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts, in care of the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence with Herman’s family please visit www.deryfuneralhome.com