Obituary: Harold Schneider

Harold Schneider, 102, of Bird Key, died Nov. 12. Mr. Schneider was a World War II veteran of intelligence services. He was fond of pointing out that he was born Nov. 11, 1912, before that date was designated as Armistice Day and, later, Veterans Day.

Born in Towanda, Pa., Mr. Schneider traveled extensively around the country and the world. Throughout his life, he experienced massive social, political and technological changes. He loved to tell stories of his admiration and work for President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt, assistance in developing military uses of radar, hunting submarines off the East Coast in World War II and opening Warner Robins Air Force Base.

Mr. Schneider attended college and law school at the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore, respectively. He worked for the state of Maryland and federal governments, with a stint as a supervisor of disaster relief for the American Red Cross.

After running a family-owned garment company, Mr. Schneider founded the Marine Testing Institute, which is headquartered in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and provides testing and certification for marine products. He served as CEO and president for many years.

Mr. Schneider was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Shedlin Schneider. He is survived by children Jan Schneider, Lynn Schneider Kalish and Seth Schneider; three grandchildren; and his long-time companion, Arleane Stier.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 23, at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charities.