Charles A. Schneider Jr.

Charles “Charlie” A. Schneider, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, after a brief illness. Charlie lived a life full of love, service, and dedication—to his family, his community, and his country.

Born in Hudson and raised on his family’s farm in Livingston (established in 1896), Charlie learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and commitment. After graduating from Hudson High School in 1955, he proudly served in the U.S. Army at the Military Signal School in Germany as a radio teletype operator.

Charlie spent nearly 50 years running the family dairy farm before retiring to serve as Chief of Security at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Even in retirement, his heart for service never wavered—he also drove a sponsored dental van, helping elementary school children throughout Columbia County.

Charlie’s devotion to his community was extraordinary. He was a lifelong member of the Livingston Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief from 1974 to 1982. He helped establish the Southern Columbia Rescue Squad and the Livingston Recreation Association, and was a proud member of the Kalicoontie Rod and Gun Club. For 40 years, Charlie served on the Town of Livingston Zoning Board and the Board of Assessment Review, and he led the Livingston Cemetery Association as its president.

His love for history and farming was well known—Charlie was honored to appear on the History Channel’s “American Pickers,” where his collection of memorabilia was featured. He was also active in the Old Time Power Association, Columbia County Farm Bureau, and the Edsel Owners Club.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Cora (Lees) Schneider. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Beverly (Felpel), his daughters Cathy (Kenneth) Sohotra, Tammy (Jim) Molinski, Jody (Peter) Chaney, and his son James Schneider (companion, Karmon). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren—Keri-Lynn (Richard) Hodges, Jordan (Kathleen) Sohotra, Zachary (Amanda) Sohotra, Brian (Gina) Molinski, Michael (Nicole) Molinski, Christina (Rafael) Jaimes, Amanda (Jordan) Ahlstrom, Kaitlyn Schneider, Kirsten Chaney, and Tyler Chaney. He was extremely proud of his 16 great-grandchildren – Charlie Molinski, Bradley Molinski, Ava Hodges, Gavin Hodges, Danielle Molinski, Jarem Molinski, Rafael Jaimes IV, Cecelia Jaimes, Rocco Jaimes, Vanessa Jaimes, Anastasia Jaimes, Damon Ahlstrom, Noah Sohotra, Luke Sohotra, Jordan Sohotra, and Gia Sohotra. His farming legacy proudly continues through his grandson Brian and family, now operating the farm into its fourth generation.

Early in his life, Charlie enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, bowling and hunting. Later in life he could be found antiquing, watching Nascar, tinkering in his workshop or planting and nurturing his vegetable garden where he generously shared his bounty with family, friends and neighbors.

Charlie’s life was a testament to generosity, service, and love. His legacy lives on in the stories, values, and traditions he passed down to his family and community.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will commence at 10:00 am, the service to follow at 1:00pm on January 4th at Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake, NY, with interment immediately following at Livingston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Livingston Fire Department (2879 Cold Spring Road, Hudson, NY 12534) or Kalicoontie Rod and Gun Club (333 Schneider Road, Livingston, NY 12541).