Richard J. Schoenthal

Richard J. Schoenthal of Akron entered into rest on June 7, 2018. He was born on January 30, 1928 to the late Harold and Maisa (Heatherly) Schoenthal.

Richard graduated in 1946 from Parker Free Union School in Clarence, NY. He was a loyal alumnus who enjoyed attending their annual reunions; always happy to see his lifelong friends and classmates. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 24th Infantry Division, 21st Regiment. While en route to Japan, he encountered a tidal wave and a hurricane, which nearly capsized his ship. He said that everyone had to stand for a day and a half on the lower decks, for fear of being swept away.  Upon arrival in Japan, there was an 800-mile train ride to Kyushu - the southernmost island in Japan. Japanese soldiers were in the mountains and continually shot at the train as it was passing through.  After the bombs were dropped, he traveled through Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where nothing could be seen for miles. Richard received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan.

He married the late Naomi R. Tesnow on June 9, 1951 and built their home on Nice Rd. in Akron in 1953. He worked as a carpenter for Corbett Lumber in Williamsville, NY for 15 years, first as an apprentice for 4 years, then as the mill foreman, estimating jobs and working on some of the most beautiful churches in Buffalo - creating intricate custom designs.

He was then offered a position working at the West Seneca Developmental Center, first as the head foreman of carpentry (7 years) and then as an Adaptive Physical Equipment Specialist. This was the first position of its kind in NYS, and the state created a new Civil Service title for him. He trained others within the state and received a citation from the governor for his outstanding work. He was also recognized as first runner-up for Employee of the Year at West Seneca, out of 2600 employees. He retired after 25 years of service.

Richard enjoyed craft shows, woodworking, traveling, and working in his yard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Akron, American Legion Post, Newstead Senior Citizens and the West Seneca Retirees Club.

Dear father of Susan (Douglas) Allen, Robert (Elaine) Schoenthal, Carol (James) Marshall;  cherished grandfather of Kimberly, Robert, Colleen and great-grandfather  of Craig, Lily, Lauren, Clara, Emery, Genevieve, and Tyler. Richard is also survived by a sister, Ruth Van Kuren;  sisters-in law, Pauline Uglesich and Louise Tesnow as well as many nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC where a Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m.  

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