George Albert Schnabel, age 77, of Centereach, New York passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024. Doting husband of Jacqueline Schnabel since 1978, together, George and Jackie proudly raised two sons: Glenn (Sabrina) Schnabel and Greg Schnabel. Adored grandfather of Ian, Emerson, Noah, and Penny. George is predeceased by his own parents, Albert George Schnabel and Magdalen Heim.
Born in Queens, George's family moved to Levittown when he was a child. George attended Island Trees High School as a three-sport athlete, excelling at Track and Field. George was also a member of the school chess club, a game he enjoyed throughout his life, most recently playing spirited matches against his grandson Noah.
George was a Vietnam-era veteran, proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1969-1973, where repaired electrical systems and communications equipment for fighter planes. George's career was with the United States Postal Service, where he served as a clerk and shop steward in the Roslyn Heights office. Later in life, George had an absolutely wonderful time dressing up as Santa at his postal union holiday parties, where he gave out gifts to all the children attending the party.
George was an avid volunteer, supporting the American Heart Association, Selden-Centereach Little League, the Centereach High School Fencing Team, and the Centereach High School Yearbook Club. George dedicated a great deal of time to the little league, serving as an umpire, coach and president. Using the skills he learned in the Service to repair the high school's fencing weapons, he often turned otherwise useless remnants into functioning sports equipment, which the team used to capture multiple League and County Championships. Photography was a great passion of his, with his favorite shoots being high school sports photos for the school yearbook and photos featuring nature scenes, specifically flowers and butterflies, of which he captured their hypnotic beauty.
George was a passionate participant and fan of sports. He refereed soccer and played several sports, including ice hockey, soccer, and softball. George was a fan of his beloved Islanders, Jets, and Mets, having seen all three win championships in his lifetime. While photography and sports were two of George's great loves, they pale in comparison to his dedication to his family. He regaled them with years of corny jokes which they will now miss dearly.
A visitation for George will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 2326 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720. A prayer service will occur Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 2326 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720.
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