Raymond Schneider, Jr.

LEOMINSTER / OSTERVILLE – Raymond F. “Chip” Schneider, Jr., 69, died Friday, August 24, 2018, at Notre Dame Healthcare in Worcester. He is survived by his brother, Patrick Schneider and his wife Karin of Kirkland, WA; his sister, Florenceanne M. Cherry and her husband Brian of Millbury; three nephews, Jesse Ferguson and his wife Melissa of Kirkland, WA, Brendan Cherry of San Francisco, CA, and Connor Cherry of Lake Tahoe, CA; and many cousins and friends. He was born in Worcester, son of the late Raymond F. and Florence A. (Leahy) Schneider, and previously lived in Osterville, Leominster, and Oxford.

Mr. Schneider graduated from Marianhill Central Catholic High School in Southbridge in 1967. He received his bachelor’s degree in education for Worcester State University, his master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State University, and his 2nd master’s degree in counseling from Assumption College in Worcester.

Mr. Schneider worked for Leominster Public Schools for over 20 years as a teacher and later a guidance counselor. In Leominster, he was known as a compassionate teacher working with a number of students on all issues of their lives. Later, he worked for the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at W.P.I. as a career counselor, helping gifted students apply at colleges throughout the country.

Mr. Schneider was a Division 1 referee for college football and a Division 3 referee for woman’s basketball, eventually officiating the NCAA finals for Division 3 in Minnesota. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association, the local board IAABO 44, and the EAID/NCMC football board located in Fitchburg. He was an active member of the Eastern Collegiate Association of Basketball and Football Officials (ECADC) and the Organization of Women’s Basketball (OWCA), working many playoff games throughout New England. He will be remembered professionally as a referee respected by his peers and coaches throughout New England who was considered a top official for his calm demeanor and knowledge of the rules.

Mr. Schneider was a fan of the Boston sports teams. He enjoyed spending time with his family and vacationing at the beaches on Cape Cod.

The family would like to thank the staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center and Notre Dame Hospice, for their exceptional care for Chip and concern for his family during his illness.

A funeral will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Thursday, August 30, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452, or to Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, 559 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.