Henry Martin Schnell Jr.

Henry (Hank) Martin Schnell, Jr., 91, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 70+ years, Shirley (Schulze) Schnell; his daughters, Dorinda Elliott (Angus), Suzanne Ruffino (Anthony) and Brenda Walker (Paul-deceased); his sons, Craig Henry Schnell (deceased), Wayne Schnell (Deborah), Keith Schnell (Deborah) and Greg Schnell (Cynthia); his sister, Dorothy Schnell; his 15 grandchildren, his 27 great grandchildren, his great-great grandchildren, and many close friends. Born and raised in New Orleans, the son of Henry and Hilda (Selle) Schnell, he was a lifelong resident of New Orleans. Hank graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve, attended boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, IL. He was employed as a Wire Chief Technician at Western Union Telegraph Co. Following his 40+ year career at Western Union, he retired as Regional Operations Chief to his home in Chalmette, LA. He met his wife, Shirley Schulze, in high school and they were married in 1949 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Following Hurricane Katrina, Hank and Shirley relocated to Destrehan, LA. On September 4th, 2019, they celebrated 70 years of marriage, renewing their vows at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Mr. Schnell’s passion for his family and friends was unending. He would often drive for hours to attend a family function or visit a friend, even through his most senior years and health conditions. His countless friendships were his treasure. He loved spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He took great pleasure in attending games, dance reviews, going fishing or just sitting around playing dominos, or as he put it “shooting the breeze”. He was an honest advice lender, and always starting with “the Deal is This…” A devout Catholic, he always encouraged the spiritual side of life to all he touched.
An avid wood worker and repairman, Hank would take on any project or problem. He could repair just about anything from washing machines to satellite communications systems. He would enlist the help of his children whenever they showed an interest and love to watch TV with his “eyes closed”. He was truly one of a kind. A gathering of family and friends will be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue Street, Chalmette, LA 70043 on Monday, July 27, 2020, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held in Hank's memory at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. If attending the visitation and Memorial Mass, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.
 

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