Dr. Joseph Schneidler

Dr. Joseph Gabriel Schneidler, passed away at his home in Dallas, Texas on December 3, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was 90. Respected and beloved Laredo dentist for over 50 years, devoted husband, son-in-law, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he lived a life of integrity, dignity and faith. On October 28,1950, he met Carmen Rottenstein, with whom he instantly and permanently fell in love. They celebrated 65 years of marriage December 2, 2016. Born in Houston December 26, 1925 to hard working immigrant parents, Joseph Schneidler, DDS was an alumnus of Rice University, a distinguished graduate of Oberlin College and The University of Texas College of Dentistry. He tirelessly recruited for and supported his almae matres. At 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for service during World War II, trained with the marines and served as a medical corpsman. He was selected for the V12 Navy College Training Program, whose members included Howard Baker and Johnny Carson. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. Service, to the best of his ability, was a calling throughout his life in every community to which he belonged. Dr. Schneidler served as president of the Texas section of the American College of Dentists, served in the House of Delegates of the Texas and American Dental Associations, was a member of the International College of Dentists and a Fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Named Texas Academy of General Dentistry 1975 Dentist of the Year, he served on Governor Dolph Briscoe's Advisory Board on Dental Treatment and was honored by Governor Ann Richards. He generously served in organizations to better the world in which we live, and during his years in Laredo led as president Temple B'nai Israel, Laredo Lions Club, and the Laredo Rotary Club which honored him as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a 32nd degree Mason. He and Carmen were founders of Laredo Civic Music, and enjoyed the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, especially when Joe's favorite Russian composers were featured. Honored by the citizens of Laredo, he portrayed George Washington in Laredo's 1981 annual celebration and was a member of the Caballeros of The Rio Grande. In 1999, The Texas House of Representatives named Dr. Schneidler Texas Living Legend for many achievements and diligent service to the State and its citizens. An accomplished athlete, he was an Oberlin football letterman and member of the Oberlin Heisman Society. Golf was a passion and he was a first place winner in several Laredo Seniors Golf Tournaments. In 1984 he made a holeinone. His passion for sports was both as participant and spectator, but equally important to him were good sportsmanship and camaraderie, which he carefully taught to his children and grandchildren. Joe was a team player, and he loved his golf partners and buddies. He is survived by his wife Carmen, their three daughters and sons-in-law Cynthia Schneidler M.D. and James Brodsky M.D., Katy Kunofsky and Morris Kunofsky, and Stefanie Schneidler and Jeffrey Robinson, grandchildren Max, Gregor and Leonore Brodsky, Nicholas and Benjamin Kunofsky, James and Daniel Robinson, brother Norman Schneidler D.D.S. and wife Barbara, nieces Dana Lipow and Dawn Aaron, brother Theodore Schneidler, sister-in-law Joyleen Rottenstein, Alissa and Max and many loving cousins and friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ranier Khetan for his expertise and kindness, Ms. Dorie Cavins and the excellent CareStaff personnel, and Mrs. Juana Fuentes all of whom made the end of his life comfortable. In his memory donations may be made to the Temple Emanu-El Prayerbook Fund, Music Fund or Library Fund.

Dr. Joseph Schneidler

December 26, 1925 - December 3, 2016