Reverend Father Harold Eugene Schneider died on Saturday, August 1, while in residence at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor following a battle with cancer.

The son of Philip and Catherine (McCabe) Schneider, he was born July 26, 1928 in Newark, Ohio. He was baptized at Saint Francis de Sales Parish (Newark) where he also attended and graduated from elementary and high school. He earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Ohio State University in 1952, later entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (Columbus) where he completed his college studies in 1956 and his philosophical studies in 1958. He entered Mount Saint Mary of the West Seminary (Norwood, Ohio) and completed his theological studies in 1962. On May 26, 1962 at Saint Joseph Cathedral he was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest by Bishop Clarence Issenman.

During his 52 years of priestly ministry and service to Christ and His Church, Fr. Schneider served as Associate Pastor, St. Joseph Cathedral (Columbus); Associate Pastor, Holy Family Parish (Columbus); Associate Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish (Columbus); Instructor, Saint Joseph Academy (Columbus); Administrator pro tem and Associate Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene Parish (Columbus); Instructor, Saint Charles Preparatory School (Columbus); Associate Pastor, Saint Cecilia Parish (Columbus); Administrator pro tem and Pastor, Saint Leonard Parish (Heath), where he retired from in 1998. Fr. Schneider remained active in his retirement, assisting at a number of parishes including St. Matthew Parish (Gahanna) and Holy Spirit Parish (Columbus). Fr. Schneider was one of seven children; he is survived by his brother, Philip, of New Hampshire, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are as follows. Fr. Schneider's body will be received at Saint Leonard Catholic Church (57 Dorsey Mill Road, Heath) on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.; visitation will continue at the church until 7:00 p.m. when a Vigil Service will take place. Visitation will resume in the church on Thursday, August 6, 9:30 a.m. and continue just prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. The Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell will be the principal celebrant; the Most Reverend James A. Griffin (retired) and priests of the Diocese will concelebrate; The Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell will deliver the homily; burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Newark. In lieu of flowers, Fr. Schneider requested that donations be made to feed the poor and hungry at the Holy Family Soup Kitchen, c/o Holy Family Church, 504 West Broad Street, Columbus, 43215.

The REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark is assisting the family with arrangements. To share your memory of Fr. Harold Schneider, please visit www.reedegan.com