Gene Schneider

Hampton - L. Eugene Schneider, better known as GENE, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022. Formerly of Perrysburg, OH and currently residing in Hampton, NH, Gene died at Portsmouth Regional Hospital of heart complications. He was 76 years old. Gene was born October 15, 1945, in Newell, WV, the third son of Clarence Leslie and Hazel Florence (née Walters) Mandley. His father died in October 1947 and Gene was later adopted by his stepfather William Phillip Schneider. Upon the death of his mother in June 1956, Gene and his brothers became wards of the Oesterlen Home for Children in Springfield, OH. In June 1959, Gene and his brother Jim were rescued by a young couple, Pastor Jerry and Carol Schmalenberger whom they call Dad and Mom to this day. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School (Ohio) in 1963, attended Wittenberg University and earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Bowling Green State University in 1979. Gene received the Purple Heart during his service with the Army’s 4th Division in the Central Highlands of Vietnam in 1968. He was proud to have served his country and a true patriot for the rest of his life. His professional experience included News Reporter and Sports Editor for The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio; several management positions with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Toledo, Ohio; Executive Director of Pease Development Authority, Portsmouth, NH; Project Manager for Statistica (VA) at the National Visa Center, Portsmouth; retiring from the National Passport Center, Portsmouth, in 2016. Gene was a son, brother, husband, uncle, and a friend to many. However, his greatest joy was the role of father to David, or “Boo” as Gene nicknamed him from the day he was born. Despite a complicated work schedule, often involving travel, he always found time to be with his son. Gene was a fine athlete and passed that on to David over the years. From playing catch in the yard, shooting hoops in the driveway, coaching HYA Basketball or Baseball teams to teaching David how to golf. Gene also rode with the Gold Wing Road Riders Association groups in Ohio and NH with David as co-pilot, even when his son’s feet didn’t quite reach the footpads. Over the years, Gene and David rode thousands of miles together. Gene’s unique sense of humor was ever present throughout his life. He was quick witted and connected with people through laughter. The better he knew you, the more he teased. Gene was also well known for his generosity and taking time to help others. From assisting friends and family with projects to serving the community, Gene took pride in giving back. He often served meals on major holidays and other times throughout the year at local homeless shelters. Gene would annually support the Wounded Warrior Project, Toy’s for Tots, and other organizations that sought help for those less fortunate. Gene was preceded in death by his brothers: Ed (Jan) Schneider, Bob (Nell) Schneider, Jim (Robin) Schneider, Bill Tropp, and David Robinson, and foster dad Jerry Schmalenberger. Gene is survived by his son David Mandley Schneider of Waltham, MA, his foster mom Carol Schmalenberger of Sedona, AZ; the mother of his son, Beverly Schneider of Seabrook, NH; many foster brothers and sisters, and too many nieces and nephews to count. Visiting hours will be from 1-3 PM on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Bethany Baptist Church, 14070 Bailey Road, Grand Rapids, OH, with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, located beside the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gene’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Gene Schneider

October 15, 1945 - July 15, 2022