Arthur E. Schneider, Jr., 78, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully Tuesday December 2, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Ellen R. (Rosselot) Schneider. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Arthur E. and Ella (Breuschke) Schneider. He resided in Birmingham, Michigan for 15 years before moving to Mattapoisett in 1975. He also lived in Chicago Heights, Ill., Middletown, RI, and Holden, MA, before returning to Mattapoisett for retirement in 1998. He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.
Mr. Schneider was formerly employed as a metallurgical engineer, beginning his long career with General Motors at the Fisher Body division in Michigan, then joining the Continental Screw Company in New Bedford where he was the lead engineer, and retiring from the Reed-Rico Company in Holden where he served as the engineer for advanced manufacturing. Arthur was a member of the American Society of Metals and was recently recognized for his lifetime accomplishments in metallurgical engineering.
He was a professional photographer specializing in weddings. He had a keen interest in amateur photography and enjoyed taking pictures of people at every event he went to. He was an avid computer buff and programmer.
He was a member and Past Master of Pythagorean Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Marion, a member of the Rufus Putnam Lodge, A.F. & A. M. in Rutland, MA and was a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. Arthur was an Eagle Scout, and past scout master for many years. He enjoyed outdoor activities, camping and canoeing. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit and was active with the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and alumni association for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his children, Walter T. Schneider and wife Carolyn of New Bedford, N. Douglas Schneider and wife Lynda of Mattapoisett, and Jean M. Londergan and husband David of Oxford; his sister, Marlene A. Hickman and husband Gerald of Midland, MI; his sister-in-law, Katherine Slack and husband Brian of Roanoke, VA; his sister-in-law, Martha Rosselot of Atlanta GA, his grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be on Saturday December 6, 2014 from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett, MA. His Memorial Service will be held on Monday December 8, 2014 at 2 PM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Memorial fund or the charity of your choice.