Donald Francis Schindler, 93, of Bradenton, FL passed away on July 21, 2022.
He was born September 18, 1928, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. A year after his birth they moved to Norwell, MA and lived on a small farm with his parents Albert and Mary Schindler and with his brother, Gerald and sister, Eileen. Donald fell in love with his country style of living learning to fish the local streams, ponds and saltwater Tide Rivers. Throughout life loved and participated in most sports.
Attended Norwell High School and then decided to pursue farming as a career. Transferred to Bristle County Agriculture School in Dighton, MA for 2 years. After 2 years at Bristle. Aggie enlisted in the regular Army to pursue a military career. Completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ and then attended a Medical technician’s course at Fort Sam in Houston, TX. Upon completion was assigned to duty at the Fort Hamilton Army Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He became engaged to his future wife and lifelong buddy June L. Riester who lived in Scotch Plains, NJ Before the marriage could take place in 1952, Don was reassigned to duty in the Far East Command in South Korea. After 1 year returned home and left the Army. On June 6, 1953 he was married to June. The wedding was conducted in Scotch Plains by June’s cousin Carl who had been ordained as a Catholic Priest only 5 days befor the wedding. Don and June’s first home was in Abington, MA, Don re-enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve Training Command and was stationed at the Naval Air Station, South Weymouth, MA. June worked as a Register Nurse in a local hospital. It was at this time their son, David was born. In 1956 Don and June were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Susan. Don furthered his education by attending schools and working in the fields of Medical Technology and eventually in the field of Preventive medicine. (Habitual and Food Sanitation). During Don’s Military career he was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Sam Houston, TX, Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY, Naval Air Stations Niagara Falls, NY, Willow Grove, PA and Glenview, IL. In addition, Don attended Military Training schools in Bainbrige, Maryland, Philadelphia PA and Oakland, CA.
Don retired from the military in 1969 and worked in municipal government for several years before he and June moved to Crivitz, WI. After enduring bitter cold winters for 3 years they moved to Florida. Don obtained employment at Tropicana Products in Bradenton before retiring after 15 years of employment in 1993. He enjoyed nearly 40 years in Braden Woods with his many neighbors and friends. For a period of time during Don’s life he was involved in a number of civic activities; Member of the Dighton, MA, Four H, charter member and secretary/ treasurer of the Chalfont, PA, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the NE Illinois Suburban Health Council for 3 years, Member of the Board of Health Buffalo Grove, IL After retiring Don and June traveled to many different locations including but not limited to Australia and New Zealand. It was during this time June developed leukemia and passed away in 2002. Don never remarried but rather chose to live a quiet life involved with his church and watching his beloved Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots Football. He was a member of Living Lord Lutheran Church.
Graveside Service will be 11:30 A.M. Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. There will also be a Celebration of Life scheduled at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Lakewood Ranch in August 2022. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
