| Obituaries |
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Richard E. "Dick" Schonher, 72
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6/25/2012 10:25:00 AM
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Richard E. "Dick" Schonher, 72, of Gillett, son of the late Earle and Greta Schonher, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, June 22, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Georgia (Purcell) Schonher and their children: son, Earl "Rick" (Jeannie) Schonher of Gillett, with grandchildren: Christopher (Chrissy), Amber (Austin), Heather (Josh), Erick and Zack and three great grandchildren; daughter, Babette (Harry) Bennett of Geneva, N.Y. with grandchildren Jeffrey and Kyle; daughter Karlene (John) Shimko of Gillett, with grandchildren Gary Ray III (Kylee), Kevin and Stephen; daughter, Bethany (Steve) Salada of Wellsboro with grandson Stephen; and daughter Rachael (Virgil) Wilbur of Millerton with granddaughter, Asaph; sisters, Barbara (Charles) Crerar of Canada and Nancy (Ron) Snay of Gillett; and mother-in-law, Gertrude (Purcell) Nowlan of Gillett.
His father-in-law, George Purcell, preceded him in death.
Dick was a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and a resident/member of the 8th Ward reunion. Dick excelled in many sports including football, boxing and baseball. He was a frequent participant in the local, state and national Senior Games. A finalist in the 1955 Golden Gloves Championship, he also loved bowling with his wife in the Elmira Senior Leagues.
He retired from Harding Brothers in 2000 after over 34 years of dedicated service. Dick was a member of the West Jackson Baptist Church in Millerton where he faithfully served as a deacon and chairman of the board for several years. Dick was a man who took endless pleasure from God's gifts: a starry night, the birds in his backyard and a grandchild's smile. His enjoyment of the outdoors and country life was only surpassed by his enduring conviction in faith and love. He was a source of strength and direction to those near him. Few have been as honorable or true of heart. Dick lived his life to honor the Lord. His sense of right, work ethic, loyalty and compassion have served as an example to his children and theirs in turn. His infectious laugh, with wisdom and kind heart will be forever missed.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday and from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday at the Olthof Funeral Home Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, N.Y. Funeral services honoring his life will follow the visitation at noon. The Reverend Harold Burrell will celebrate Dick's services. Interment will take place in the Baptist Hill Cemetery, Columbia Cross Roads. Contributions may be made to the West Jackson Baptist Church Building Fund or the charity of one's choice in Dick's honor. His guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.
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