Franz K. Schneider, Jr. PE, known to many as "Sonny," passed away on March 31, 2018 shortly after a massive stroke, at the age of 85. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he currently resided in Lumberton and Beach Haven NJ, after living most of his life in Moorestown NJ. Franz graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, a Mechanical Engineer in 1955. At Penn, he rowed crew, and was a Beta Theta Pi.
His family, family business (Albion), and sailing were a huge part of his life. Franz ran Albion Engineering Company from 1963-1998, taking it over from his father, and passing it forward to his son Mark. While he ran the company, it exclusively manufactured in the US. He raced Lightning class sailboats (3333, 5079, 8379, 15079) with his family for decades. First he sailed at Spray Beach YC, and Little Egg Harbor YC. Subsequently, he starting a fleet in Annapolis, and grew the fleets at Red Dragon, and Lake Wallempaupack, before returning to LEHYC in the mid 90s. Franz remained an active contributing member and leader of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, multiple sailing organizations, US based manufacturing organizations, and the Rotary. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Sheila H. Schneider, son Mark C. Schneider (Lucinda), daughters Cathy Schneider, Susan Schneider-Levin (Brent), Caroline Hoedemaker (Robert), along with seven grandchildren.
A Celebration of Franz's life will be held on Wednesday, April 18th at 11:00, at the First Presbyterian Church in Moorestown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Franz can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown.
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