Paul Eugene Schneider

Dec 16, 1945 – August 28, 2024

Paul Eugene Schneider left this earth on Wednesday, August 28th surrounded by his three sons Dan, Andrew, and David, and his wife of fifty-five years, Lydia. He also leaves behind daughters-in-law Katie Schneider, Becky Gallarda, and Silvia Illingworth. He was most proud of his six grandchildren: Benjamin Paul, Brooke Elizabeth, James David, Luke Merlo, Hayes William and Tyler James. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Barbara Keating and Margaret Ann Bailly.

Paul heroically battled pancreatic cancer for almost two years with the support of his family, the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, NorthBay Medical Center, and Kaiser Home Hospice. He left us knowing that he was loved beyond measure.

Paul was a true gentleman who served proudly as a San Francisco Firefighter from 1971 – 2001. He was an avid sportsman and coach who loved basketball, football, baseball, and golf. Born and raised in San Francisco, he followed the San Francisco Forty-Niners, Giants, Warriors, and every team his children, grandchildren, and any family member ever played on.

He was an active supporter of youth sports, consistently volunteering as a coach for both CYO basketball and with the Danville Little League. He served as the Athletic Director of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church basketball program for almost two decades, overseeing it from its early stages into its modern fruition. As a coach and a leader in the community, he had a direct and positive impact on the players he coached, helping an uncountable number of valley youth learn the value of teamwork, character, and sportsmanship through the game they loved.

Above all, Paul was a devoted family man, with a large extended family. “Uncle Paul” had a heart big enough to love all twenty-six of his nieces and nephews and was a rock of encouragement in all their endeavors. In retirement, his supportive, loving presence became a fixture at sporting events and performances of those he held so dear. Countless family parties and celebrations were hosted at the family home in Danville where laughter and revelry often went deep into the next day.

It does not say enough to write “He will be deeply missed.” His deep and abiding faith helped him through his final journey and inspired us all. A celebration of his well-lived life will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in San Ramon on Friday, September 20 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. The important work of this foundation helped keep Paul with us longer. https://www.sffcpf.org/donate/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Grissom’s Cremation & Burial Centers.