Book of Memories for Leo Joseph Schneider

Condolence From Jay Davis

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:19:35 EDT

Heck, I knew Leo from a long time ago. We grew up in South Fairmount in Ohio. We went to St. Bonaventure grade school and Roger Bacon high school in the Cincinnati, OH. area. As usual, you lose touch after high school. I last saw Leo at our 25th high schol reunion about 30 years ago. Glad to see he had such a productive life and sorry about his passing. He'll be riding his bike in heaven, I know. A good man. Jay

Condolence From Betsi Morris

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:07:52 EDT

Dear Susan and family, We are saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband and father Leo Joseph.May you find strength in this difficult time- our thoughts are with your family. Sincerely, Betsi and Warren Morris

Condolence From Michelle Ghrist

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:42:18 EDT

I was so sorry to hear of Leo's sudden passing. I got to know Leo over the last 7 years through Pi Mu Epsilon events and emails. What a special person he was - he always took time to add a personal touch to every email, and he was always upbeat and cheerful. He gave so much of himself to PME and to math competitions through the years - he will be missed so much.

Story shared: My favorite teacher

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:24:01 EDT

Dr. Schneider was my favorite teacher at JCU. I was a Math major back in 1967 - 1971 and during that time I had Leo for 7 of the 13 courses I took at JCU. He provided the exposure to Fortran programming that formed the basis for my first job out of college and my career for the past 40 years. He created special summer courses for me to take while off-campus so that I could accelerate my course completion and marry my high school sweetheart, Cecilia, in 1970, prior to my senior year. Leo came to our wedding in Youngstown, Ohio and helped during my last year at JCU while I was working full-time. I joined Pi Mu Epsilon because of Leo. I stayed with Mathematics for my undergraduate degree and went on for an MS in Mathematics because he gave "life" to the subject and meaning to the art. He relished in solving problems. His "QED" was unmistakably Leo. In my entire life I have never met anyone as excited over a subject they teach and so adept at making learning fun. I reconnected with him last summer after 35 years of not communicating. I am so glad I did. I am sure that his mind is marveling today at the solutions that God and heaven have provided him. We will miss him. Jim and Cecilia Venglarik

Condolence From Jim, Katrina and Marriana Maloney

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:30:10 EDT

Dear Schneider Family, my friendship began with Carla, and as I am sure happens to most people who know one of the Schneider members, it wasn't long before I was friends with her entire family. I was very lucky to have known Leo and know he was a great man. He did wonderful things in his lifetime, created a beautiful family and touched many people in so many ways, both personally and academically that is the real meaning of a life. He will be missed. Know that he is watching and loving you and giving you strength to do the amazing things he can't be here for. Love Always, Katrina (Jim and Marriana send their love too)

Condolence From Jim, Katrina and Marriana Maloney

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:30:08 EDT

Condolence From Marilyn Melzak

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:31:39 EDT

My deepest sympathy to you & your family Susan. I last saw you both at the doctor's office when Leo needed wrist repair. I remember his stage debut at Mayfield Hi and dining with you on Weston. Savor the memories. They assuage the grief. Marilyn

Story shared: Leo

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:58:05 EDT

Professor Schneider was a great and intelligent man. He will be missed dearly and I am honored to have taken his course. My prayers go out to his family

Story shared: A Valuable Mentor and Advisor

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:36:27 EDT

Dr. Schneider was my advisor for my Master's work at JCU from 1984-1986. I waited nearly 10 years to pursue my MA degree and I'll never forget his kindness, gentleness and patience with me as I reentered the academic scene. Leo was more than an advisor; he was a mentor for me. His classes were outstanding, sometimes confusing for me since I had been away for a long period of time, and he always provided time to explain the material for me. I will never forget my years at John Carroll. After graduation, Dr. Schneider and I continued our sharing. I always looked forward to the annual Christmas photo and stories of his beloved family! I traveled through Ohio on several occasions and while passing the exit to continue north to the university, I usually recalled my fond memories of Dr. Schneider and my time at JCU. Susan, Rita and Carla, I offer my prayers and sympathy to you on the death of your beloved husband and father. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity knowing Leo and all of you for these past 20+ years. May our Provident God bless you always. Sister Donna Marie

Condolence From Lorena Martinez

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:00:57 EDT

From what I remember Dr. Schneider always had such a generous and vivid spirit. Not to mention his entertaining classes; you just quite never knew what was next! He will be missed dearly and one thing is for sure - that he has left footprints on this heart! My prayers are with all of you at this time, God bless. Lorena Martinez

Condolence From Danielle Sluga

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:08:40 EDT

Dear Mrs. Schneider and Girls, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I graduated in 1995 as a Math minor, but I always enjoyed Dr. Schneider's classes. He always had a smile on his face and I often sat behind your family at mass at JCU. We lived near campus for several years and it always brought a smile to my face to see him bike past our house. He will never be forgotten and I am sure that he is watching over you. God Bless, Danielle Sluga 1995

Condolence From Joanne Caniglia

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:45:45 EDT

Dearest Susan, I was so sorry to hear of Leo's death. He truly was such a fine person. He was an outstanding teacher! I will always remember him. He cared so much and was always available for his students. I will always remember him. Know of my love and prayers, Joanne Caniglia

Story shared: Never Algebratize in Public

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:15:30 EDT

I can't even count the ways Dr. Schneider helped me during my time at JCU. But I especially remember the trips to MAA conferences. Dr. Schneider always encouraged me to present. Sometimes I went with the group (I'm the brown one in the picture) but other times it was just me with Dr and Mrs. Schneider. I always had such a good time. The first time I was scheduled to present, I was a little nervous but he knew that I would do well even before I did. There are no words to thank someone for giving you that. During one of my earliest talks, someone asked a question and even though was nervous I attempted to demonstrate the answer on the fly. I almost goofed but with a slight shake of his head Dr. Schneider corrected me before I totally embarrassed myself. Afterwards he bestowed the best advice ever to be given to math presenter "Never Algebratize in Public". The JCU family has lost an irreplaceable professor and I feel like I've lost a member of my family. My condolences to his Mrs. Schneider and his daughters.

Condolence From Marcy (Melzak) Gray

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:58:30 EDT

Dear Sue, Carla, Rita: I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Schneider’s passing. He was an integral part of my experience at John Carroll in the 70s when I was majoring in math and he was head of the Math Department. Dr. Schneider was an excellent teacher and mentor, and above all, a good friend. I recall vividly his kindness and generosity in such ways as hosting students for dinner at your Weston Road house, sharing fresh produce from your garden, giving me a ride to & from Cohoes, NY to help with my Thanksgiving travel plans, and transporting us to and from out of state math conferences. Dr. Schneider was truly a great man, inside and outside of the classroom, and will be sorely missed.

Condolence From James Kulich

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:40:13 EDT

I have many good memories of Dr. Schneider as a good and kind man who taught me and others well. We learned much from him about mathematics and life. My sincere condolences. Jim Kulich, '79

Condolence From

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:28:01 EDT

Sue, Carla, and Rita, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't tell you how much we love you and are thinking of you and wish we could be with you during this difficult time. Please know that you can always count on us, we are your forever friends and together we will move forward as hard as it may be. All our love, Robyn, Linda, and Todd

Story shared: Leo's Math Curse

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:03:39 EDT

I entered JCU as a freshman, not sure what I wanted to do, but sure that I wanted to take a math class my first semester... I ended up with a crazy professor who would keep my attention by talking very quietly one moment, then almost screaming from excitement about his Calculus topics the next. Of course, this was Dr. Schneider. I was lucky enough to again have him my senior year for Number Theory. Dr. Schneider and I became very close from the first day of school, when I talked to him after class and talked to him about my interest in mathematics. Basically, he helped me overcome my fear of actually becoming a Mathematics major, and eventually became my advisor. Through my personal illness and deaths of my best friend and grandmother, Dr. Schneider was always there to support me in my four years as an undergraduate. He made me think about situations with boyfriends in ways that made Leo feel like a family member to me. Dr. Schneider taught me about math, Italy, life, love, and was much more than a professor to me. I bought him my favorite book, "The Math Curse" and we laughed about the children's book that has so many upper level mathematical details interwoven for hours. I will truly miss my teacher deeply and will have to stop myself daily from walking to his office for help on a math problem or advice about a boy... or even just stopping in to say hi and waste time between classes. His death is a great loss, not only to those who know and love him, but to all the students that will never get to have him as a professor. Dr. Schneider, you have cursed us all with your math, and we are all under your spell (in a good way). I owe you my entire career in Mathematics. Thank you for your support and passing on your knowledge. We love you and miss you a lot. Rest in peace.

Condolence From

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:33:31 EDT

We are very sorry for your loss. We are grateful for the opportunity to donate to Leo's memorial fund. He will always be remembered.

Condolence From Joyce Murton

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:55:45 EDT

My condolences to everyone that has been touched by this loss. Dr. Schneider was one of my favorite professors, and his classes were always among the most energetic and enjoyable of all of my classes. His class on formal languages and finite state automata blew my mind and transformed the way I look at the entire world. I am sorry for everyone's loss, and I sad to hear of his passing. He will live on in the thousands of students whose lives he has touched over the years. He will be sorely missed.

Story shared: One of my favorite professors

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:39:31 EDT

I was a student of Dr. Schneider's from 1999 to 2003. He was always one of my favorite professors in the Mathematics and Computer Science department. His enthusiasm for the material and animated delivery made even the driest class seem exciting and entertaining. He would literally jump up and down and twirl around in the middle of teaching. Even today, his classes are among those that stuck in my head the most. My favorite class of all time was the class I took from him on formal languages and finite state automata. That class completely changed my conception of computers, computer science, and really the universe in general. It literally changed my life and stays with me to this day. I am sad to hear that he has passed on, but I know that he will live on through the hundreds and hundreds of people whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.

Story shared: rough ride

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:56:03 EDT

Dr. Schneider was my first and last college math professor. I knew the class would be interesting when he sent out about 12 emails over Christmas break before class even started. Class was crazy! Prof. Schneider had some crazy voices and some interesting analogies. Most of his examples had to do with alcohol or kissing. I usually had no idea what was going on in class, but I always paid attention because I knew that some funny story would be told. Dr. Schneider and I were not on the best of terms, but deep down inside I knew that he was a really great person with a huge heart and a love for math and his students. I will really really miss him and his class.

Story shared: Reconnection

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:59:49 EDT

I had the pleasure of taking my very first college mathematics course from Dr. Leo Schneider, Honors Calculus I, in the fall of 1980. I was new to everything college had to show me, and amazed at how Dr. Schneider treated us as adults, trusting us to do our work and even trusting us with individualized exams. In his plaid coat and bow-tie he made me love college! After my time at JCU and the strong education there I went on to get my PhD and teach at the State University of New York in Potsdam. I lost touch with most of my friends and mentors but never stopped remembering Dr. Schneider with a smile. Several years ago I discovered that Dr. Schneider was the current treasurer of Pi Mu Epsilon and was coming to Potsdam for our annual induction ceremony. I was excited and nervous to see him again, knowing how I had aged and wondered if we would even recognize each other after 20 years. When I finally got to see him again, he looked exactly as I remembered him (but no plaid or bow tie) and I was relieved and happy to give him a big hug. My chance to visit with him and his wonderful wife Susan was a treat and he even somehow convinced me to call him Leo as we were now friends. I have periodically been in e-mail contact with him since and will miss his words as I heard them in my head as I read each message. I am so glad I had the chance to reconnect to Leo Schneider and am sorry I will not have the chance again.

Condolence From Bob Short

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:47:11 EDT

It saddens me greatly to hear of Leo's passing. He was a huge help at conferences, and he always had a smile on his face with a story to tell. He was a great mentor and a great friend. He will be missed.

Condolence From Nancy Campbell

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:47:34 EDT

Dear Sue, Rita, and Carla, I am so saddened to hear of Leo's passing and so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Leo during my time at JCU. He was very helpful and welcoming as a colleague, and your entire family was the same way for Tom and me when we moved to Cleveland. I feel lucky to have known him; he was inspiring to everyone he encountered. May your faith and your strong sense of family help you through this sad time.

Condolence From Thomas Wakefield

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:05:57 EDT

Professor Schneider was a great mentor. His enthusiasm for mathematics inspired me and I always looked forward to seeing to him at meetings. Please accept my deepest condolences. He touched many lives and his memory, zeal for life and mathematics, and passion will live on in his students.

Condolence From Rick Poss

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:40:50 EDT

Sue: I am so sorry for your loss. Leo was, of course a truly dynamic positive force for Pi Mu Epsilon. Even before we became friends through Pi Mu Epsilon, however, I was aware of his many contributions to the mathematics community, especially his work with mathematics competitions. From the moment I first met Leo, I knew that he had special talents. I was shocked and saddened by his passing. I will miss him as a friend and as a mathematician. Rick

Condolence From Al Stickney

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:35:51 EDT

Leo was a friend and a valued member of the Ohio Section of the MAA. He inspired many of us with his enthusiasm. He was a wonderful colleague and a strong proponent for mathematics and mathematics education. His special passion for posing and solving problems, and for engaging students in those activities, was remarkable. I'll never forget the many sessions he presented at Section meetings where he went over "interesting problems and results" from the AHSME. I will miss him, the Section will miss him, and his contributions to mathematics education at the national level will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Al Stickney

Condolence From Vince Benander

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:20:12 EDT

I was in Leo first Calc class that he taught at JCU. He was one of the best teachers I had at JCU. He was entertaining and enthusiastic and demanding. It was his method and love of Math that I carried into my own professional approach in teaching math. Many of his methods I still use in the classroom to this day. He will be missed by all. He was a great guy! He has left quite a legacy here at JCU. I am sure the thousands of lives of the students that he has touched will also miss him. God bless you Leo and your family. A truly grateful student and colleague, Vince Benander

Condolence From Betty Mayfield, Maryland Delta Chapter of PME

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:47:36 EDT

Susan, I am so sorry. I remember that you and Leo told me about living in Mayfield, Ohio, and about Mayfield High School. Leo has been a real force in Pi Mu Epsilon and has gotten us our certificates and pins and cords in record time for years. He has been so reliable and so faithful. We will all miss him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Betty M.

Condolence From

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:31:32 EDT

May God give to you the grace and strength to get through this difficult time and may you find comfort in knowing that Leo is now with the Lord. With Much Love!

Condolence From John, Amy, Zachary and Nathaniel Chornenky

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:24:08 EDT

We are so sorry to hear of your sudden and very sad loss. We have been and will continue to pray for you and your family. With much love and God's continual blessings, The Chornenkys

Condolence From Michael Ward for Oregon Delta Chapter PME

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:10:46 EDT

My students and I met Leo for the first time in person last summer at MathFest in Portland. We found him as kind and helpful in person as he was via e-mail. We will miss him. We send our sincere sympathy to Leo's family.

Condolence From

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:43:18 EDT

Leo...our neighbor...our friend. We will truly miss him.

Condolence From Toni Atchinson-Rozycki

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:53:51 EDT

Sue, Rita and Carla, may the Angels above of Aunt Germaine and Uncle Ed be guiding Leo through his journey into heaven and sending their strength and grace to you and your loved ones during this heartbreaking time. It is when our dear family is far and near that we need to be together because there is so much I'd like to share with the girls from when their Dad used to spend more time with us here in the Albany area. I have many, many happy memories of his smiles and laughter with your Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents and cousins I'd love to share. <3 He was a wonderful family man, and well respected among the family. May his presence always be with you to keep you safe and happy, your Mom strong (as she always was), and those wonderful holiday letters on track. Miss you all much ~ Toni

Condolence From Maxine Ballard

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:19:33 EDT

Sue, Carla and Rita, I truly am sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your husband/father. May you find comfort in the love and memories you have of him.

Condolence From Sue (Spickler) Flint

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:03:37 EDT

Sue, Carla and Rita, We are very saddened to hear of Leo's sudden passing. Keep him close in your heart always and remember him with a smile. Much love and hugs to you all. Your cousin Sue & Doug

Condolence From Tom Hern

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:32:02 EDT

So sorry to hear the news. He died doing what he liked best. He will be missed.

Condolence From David Sutherland

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:38:25 EDT

Sue, Rita, and Carla, I am so sorry for your loss. Leo was a true friend and colleague to me personally and to the Pi Mu Epsilon organization. In fact, to many mathematicians and students around the country, Leo WAS Pi Mu Epsilon. Year after year we saw him do everything he could think of to do to encourage students to get more involved in mathematics and he worked tirelessly to make it as easy as possible for them to do so. Everyone involved with Pi Mu Epsilon will miss him deeply; his death is a terrible loss to all of us. We wish you comfort in the days to come. David Sutherland Pi Mu Epsilon President

Condolence From Gus and Dal Lanese

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:53:32 EDT

Susan, Carla and Rita, We are so sorry for your loss. Leo was such a wonderful man: always smiling, always upbeat, never angry and a hard worker. He will be missed by all. We love you and will be there for you.

Condolence From Angela Spalsbury

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:07:28 EDT

Dear Sue, Rita, and Carla, I am so very sorry for your loss! We will miss Leo SO MUCH at Pi Mu Epsilon. He constantly gave to the organization. I don't know of anyone that worked as hard as he did on behalf of mathematics students across the country. It's such a loss for all of us!

Condolence From Ron, Kathy, Justin, Matt

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:27:00 EDT

Sue, Carla, and our dear Rita, We can't begin to tell you how sorry we are for the loss of Leo. We are all grieved by his passing, but heaven must be rejoicing as he enters. We love you all.

Condolence From Paul Fishback

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:08:20 EDT

Sue, Rita, and Carla, I am so sorry for your loss. Leo was a wonderful man, and I will always value my relationship with him, both as a colleague and as a friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Holly Girardin

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:57:41 EDT

I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Schneider was always such a bright and happy person. I never had him as a teacher, but, whenever I saw him in the department, he was always so cheerful and so nice to talk to! I'm really going to miss him!

Photo shared: Schneider.jpg

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:49:05 EDT