Many of you knew Mr. Schnitzer in his various capacities as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director and Vice Principal at Scotch Plains - Fanwood High School for 35+ years, and as Mayor of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Please feel free to invite other former SPFHS students, teachers, coaches, politicos, etc.
Raymond Lawrence Schnitzer, 88, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2014 with his children by his side. He was born September 24, 1925 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Minnie and Benny Schnitzer. He attended Lincoln High School in Jersey City from 1939 to 1943 where he participated in soccer, baseball, band and orchestra. He entered the US Navy in 1943 as a Radio Airman. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in low flying bombing missions as an Aerial Photographer and later received the Air Medal for outstanding courage as a gunner and a radio operator in air strikes against the Japanese home islands. He served aboard the USS Randolph and was honorably discharged in 1945. He attended Panzer State College, 1945-50, in New Jersey where he played basketball, soccer and baseball. In 1951 he married Elizabeth Dubey. From 1950 until 1951 he was the Athletic Director and basketball coach at Patterson State College in New Jersey. From 1953 until 1965 he taught physical education, science and coached basketball, soccer and track and field at Scotch Plains High School and was the Vice Principal and Athletic Director from 1965 until 1991. 1967-69 Served 3 year term as Mayor of Scotch Plains. In the 1960’s he spent his summers as the Manager of Willow Grove, Brook Hill and Manor Park Swim Clubs. From 1989 and1990 he was the summer restaurant manager in Provincetown, MA with his son, Steven. From 1994 until 2009 he owned “Good Guys” car dealership with John Wilansky in Melbourne, Fl. In July of 2001 he was a Track and Field Medalist at the National Senior Games. He is survived by his children, Steven, Christine, Raymond, Beth Schnitzer, Jaimie Westley and Thomas Catalon. A scholarship fund will be established in his honor. Celebration Service will be scheduled in Scotch Plains , NJ early Fall. In lieu of flowers, Checks can be made out to Raymond L. Schnitzer scholarship fund and sent to:
Raymond L. Schnitzer Scholarship Fund
PO Box 1536.
Provincetown, MA 02657
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