Joseph D. Schneider, M.D.

Joseph Donald Schneider, M.D., 65, of Perrysburg Ohio left the mortal realm late Saturday, May 19, 2012. He was surrounded by his loving family including his wife Kathleen, and daughters Christina and Janelle. This ended his battle with a mortal blood disorder. Joe was born April 30, 1947, the son of Dr. Richard and Josephine Schneider. Joe spent his early years observing his father practice medicine in an office connected to their home on Western Avenue. The family moved and Joe spent his adolescent years in their West Moreland home. During these early years Joe developed his intense love of learning and sports. He graduated from St. Francis DeSales high school and briefly attended St. Louis University before returning to Toledo and completing his premed studies at the University of Toledo. Joe was accepted into the charter class at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo, now known as UTMC. He continued to excel academically and was admired by his fellow students for his wisdom and wit. He graduated from medical school in 1972 and continued his training at Mercy Hospital where he interned and completed his family practice residency, prepared to follow in his father's footsteps. He joined the Perrysburg practice of Dr.'s Fraser and Baldoni, River Road Family Physicians, and began his extraordinary career of truly caring for people. During medical school, he fell in love with Kathleen LaScola and they were married in 1971. Joe had a soul-deep gratitude for the support Kathy lovingly delivered to his life. Dr. Schneider was admired and loved by staff, patients and their families. His sense of sincere and genuine compassion to the human struggle was unequaled. He made the time and offered himself to each person, and their loved ones, who sought his help. Joe's humane attributes were equaled by his diagnostic and treatment skills, delivered with his gravelly voice as he traversed the hospital and office halls carrying his eternal cup of coffee. Dr. Schneider's career in medicine ended sadly and ironically when he sustained a rare fracture while he stooped to place himself at the same eye-level as a child patient that he was treating. A lamentable sequence of other illnesses prevented him ever practicing again and countless people regretted his retirement. Joe's mind was truly unique, able to shift from cosmic theory to Greek and Roman philosophy to 17th century medicine to world economy to political buffoons to the Tiger's pitching rotation, all in one conversation if you requested or it amused him. Contacts during his friend Jim Leyland's career were special episodes of joy to Joe as he offered coaching suggestions. Joe not only saw, appreciated and sympathized with the human condition, he made it better in an abundance of people. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen; daughters, Christina Lynn and Janelle D.; siblings, Richard (Pat) Schneider, David Schneider, Robert Schneider, Sue (Chuck) Reynolds and Kelly (Bill) Lang; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Pat) Laughlin and brother-in-law, Frank (Chris) LaScola along with many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant children. Friends will be received from 2-9 P.M. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E . South Boundary, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where the rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday evening. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 9:45 A.M. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 E. Front Street in Perrysburg. Burial will follow in St. Rose Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Cherry Street Mission. Condolences may be made directly to the family by visiting www.witzershankfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lurley Archambeau, his wife Judy and the nurses at St. Luke’s Heart Center for their love and support to Joe and his entire family.