Obituary of Alfred Schnare Jr.
OBITUARY FOR ALFRED SCHNARE, JR
Alfred Schnare, Jr. of Coxsackie passed away on Sunday November 12, 2023. Al, as he was known by family and friends, enjoyed 86 years of life. He was born March 10, 1937 in Catskill, eldest son of the late Alfred and Olive (Kellam) Schnare. Al grew up on his parents Coxsackie farm along with his two younger brothers the late Eugene (Gene) Schnare, the late William (Billy) Schnare and his surviving sister Rosemary (Rosie) Valk (Schnare). Al left school and devoted himself to helping his parents with the daily operations of their family farm until brothers Gene and Billy took over the reins. Al was employed as a truck driver with Van Auken Express for over 25 years, a career he truly enjoyed. He was eager to share many trucker stories with family and friends.
Al was proud to call Coxsackie his home and resided there with his wife of 66 years, Christel Schnare (Spang) where they enjoyed family life raising two children, daughter the late Cindy Speanburg (Schnare) and their son Dale Schnare. The Schnare family grew with the birth of granddaughter Lauren DeSantis (Speanburg), and they lovingly welcomed the late Stephen (Steve) Kohler, and daughter-in-law Brenda Schnare (Wase) to their family.
Al served as Chief of the Earlton Fire Department for over 20 years with dedication and loyalty, the EFD awarded him Fireman of the Year in 2000. He also held several public service positions in our local communities including NYS Fire Instructor, Building Inspector for the Town of Coxsackie and Village of Catskill, and Town of Coxsackie Constable before settling into retirement.
Al enjoyed cruising around on his Gator, working with his John Deere tractor, gardening, spending time with family and friends, playing with his beloved Labs, reading the newspaper cover to cover, and long conversations about hunting, shooting and politics. And of course, good food. Those close to Al know he never missed an opportunity to get his favorite meal, BBQ chicken. He loved it so much that he made many Brooks BBQ chicken runs all the way out to Oneonta and would happily grab a few extra for anyone who enjoyed it as much as him.
Over the years Al enjoyed the company of many close friends, family, and neighbors,
Ed and Tina Kotek & family, the late Eugene (Gene) Vangaasbeck & family, Grace Schnare & family, members of the EFD and Earlton Fish & Game Club, the Kohler family, Corky Eldred & family, Pete and Gilda Pascuzzi, Gene Salvino, nieces, nephews and so many others that touched his life. He wanted to thank each and every one of you for your friendship, good conversations, lending a hand when needed, and love.
Al Schnare, Jr. will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 25th from 11 am to 1 pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 State Route 81 Greenville. A grave side service will follow at 2pm in Riverside Cemetery Coxsackie.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations sent to the Earlton Fire Department, P.O. Box 187, Earlton, NY 12058 will be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be left at ajcunninghamfh.com