Richard Charles Schneider

Richard Charles Schneider, 82 of Stafford passed away at Mary Washington Hospital on Monday, April 11, 2022. Born and raised in New Jersey, Richard (“Dick”) spent his early childhood fishing, boating, and enjoying the south Jersey shore. At the age of 17, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and served the country he loved. In his early twenties, Dick met the love of his life Anne Ferguson while stationed at Prestwick Air Base in Scotland. They married in 1961 and shared 60 years of marital bliss. Together they raised four children and were blessed with two amazing granddaughters. Upon retiring after 34 years as a Chief Master Sergeant, Dick began a second career in July 1990 and spent over twenty years working as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) and as the Executive Director for the NCOA National Defense Foundation. During which time Dick dedicated himself to working to improve the lives of wounded and disabled veterans, providing a voice on Capitol Hill and with the Veterans Administration. In his leisure, Dick loved to spend time in his woodshop building and restoring furniture. When he was not doing woodwork, he was fishing, boating and travelling the world with his beloved wife. He loved dining out and thought nothing of hopping in the car to drive a few hours to visit and spend time with family and friends. In his quiet time, he enjoyed reading a good James Patterson, David Baldacci or Tom Clancy book. Dick leaves behind a daughter Kristin Bond, son-in-law David and two beloved granddaughters Hannah and Emma, a daughter Leslie Schneider, a son Richard Schneider and daughter-in-law Carroll, a daughter Fiona Schneider, a brother Edward Schneider and wife Nolie, a twin brother Robert and life-long friend and business partner Eddie B. Sanchez, many adored nieces and nephews, the very large and much-loved Schneider and Schiller families, and his faithful four-legged ‘boy’ Fergie McGhee. Predeceased in death: Dick’s beloved wife Anne (Ferguson), father Frederick William Schneider, mother Elsie Ervine (Schiller) Schneider, brother Frederick William Schneider, Jr., and sister Joan Lorraine Schneider. A graveside service will be held later in Arlington National Cemetery where Dick and Anne will be laid to rest together. In lieu of flowers kindly donate to the Tunnels to Towers or the Fisher House Foundation. Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com “Bigger is always better” and “Keep smiling” – Dick Schneider