Jay Ford Schnackel, 70, of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away peacefully November 12, 2010. He was born September 16, 1940 in Cleveland, to Jay W. and Katherine (Ford) Schnackel. Jay was an avid outdoorsman and athlete and will be remembered for his personal drive, contagious sense of humor, positive attitude and pride in his family.
Jay was a 40-year operations management professional in the steel industry. He was also the joint recipient of seven US patents. Those who knew Jay professionally respected his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Jay graduated from Darrow School (New York) in 1959 and Case Western Reserve University (Adelbert College) in 1962. One of the most decorated student-athletes in Western Reserve history, Jay signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 1962. Jay was inducted into the Case Western Reserve Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994 and served as president of the Case Reserve Athletic Club (now called the Spartan Club). He was a committed fundraiser for the CWRU Athletic Department.
Jay was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was also a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Wadsworth. In addition, he was a member of numerous hunting and conservation organizations.
Jay is survived by his wife of 48 years, Alexandra (Syler); children, Susan (Jon) Cross of Whitehouse, Ohio, Jane (Eric) Mayers of Beachwood, Ohio, Eric (Stephanie) Schnackel of North Canton, Ohio, and Ellen (Dagny Rude) Schnackel of Ferndale, Michigan; grandchildren, Katie and Jimmy Cross, Garrett and Ellie Mayers, Erica (Josh) Prescott, Jacquelyn Schnackel, and Asa and Abraham Schnackel; brothers Robert Schnackel of Norwalk, Connecticut, Donald (Jeanne Marie) Schnackel of Akron, Ohio, and Kate (Kent) Sargent of South Dennis, Massachusetts; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Lou Jordan.
A Memorial Service celebrating Jay's life will be held November 18, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 146 College St., Wadsworth, OH 44281. The family will receive visitors at the church following the service. There will be no formal visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Eddie Finnigan Memorial Fund, CWRU Athletic Department, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 or St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
Arrangements are being managed by the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home in Wadsworth.
Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281 (330-334-1501) www.HilliardRospert.com