Beloved husband, father and grandfather

Stephen Edward Schneider died June 16 at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland at the age of 73, with his wife Sheila by his side. He will be remembered most for his loving heart and unending dedication to his wife and family, neighbors and friends. 

Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, Steve was the son of Charles and Margaret Schneider, and loving brother to his nine siblings. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and graduated with a degree in chemistry. 

Steve and Sheila married on December 28, 1968. They began their married life together in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. They moved with their three daughters several times before settling in Claremont in 1983.

Steve had an accomplished professional career, working first as a research scientist for Dow Chemical, and later in research and development for toy companies Kransco/Wham-O and Mattel.

While at Dow, he received a patent for the process of preparing microporous polyethylene hollow fibers, a fibrous material later use in dialysis machines. His notable work at Kransco included his patented designs of pool lounges and Morey Boogie body boards. 

After his corporate career, the Schneiders founded Erincrest Enterprises. There, Steve helped manage the property the couple own in Claremont, a 1920s-era apartment complex. The property, which he affectionately referred to as “Ninth Street,” became a new passion for him. Steve could regularly be found working on an apartment, tinkering with a broken sprinkler, or befriending a tenant.

In his free time, he enjoyed reading to the blind and attending Claremont City Council meetings. Above all, his greatest passion was his family.

Steve leaves behind his wife Sheila; daughters Tracey Castle, Heather Stone  and Meghan Gilliland; sons-in-law Fred Castle, Rodney Stone and Doug Gilliland; and grandchildren Natalie Stone, Katie Stone, Kendall Gilliland and Morgan Gilliland. He is also survived by seven of his brothers and sisters and their loving families. 

The family is in the process of planning a celebration of Steve’s life.