David Lawrence Schneider

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of retiree David Lawrence Schneider on May 7, 2025.  He was 82.

David was born May 10, 1942, in York, PA, to his wonderful parents, George and Ruth Schneider.

David lived a life dedicated to learning, exploration, service, and above all, family. He earned his degree from Penn State University in 1964 and soon after answered President John F. Kennedy’s call to service by joining the Peace Corps, where he taught in Acela, Ethiopia. Growing up, his boys loved hearing about his adventures in Ethiopia, such as being chased by elephants, riding horses in the Rift Valley, and hand-feeding hyenas in the dead of night.

After finishing his service, David returned to Philadelphia where he met the love of his life, Gloria, in Geology class at Temple University. After a short courtship they married and moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they built a life and raised their two boys.

David began his 32-year career at WHOI in 1972 as a research assistant I. He was promoted several times throughout his career and retired as a research associate III in 2007.  He returned on a casual basis and left in 2013.  His work took him across the globe and into the depths of the ocean—literally. He was honored to take part in a classified U.S. Navy mission aboard the Alvin submersible, investigating radioactive leakage from two nuclear submarines that disappeared in 1968. He also contributed to the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS), helping to advance our understanding of the world’s oceans.

David found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His hobbies included playing on the Men’s Cape Cod Senior Softball League, gardening, cross-country skiing, reading, and sipping a variety of scotches. Two of his favorite memories include embarking on a cross-country road trip with his son Phil and attending the Ryder Cup in Scotland with his son Adam.

Throughout his life, David remained humble, modest, and deeply grounded. He was a man of quiet strength, known for his self-effacing nature, thoughtful spirit, and dry sense of humor. His happiest moments were spent with his family, whom he adored beyond measure.

David is predeceased by his older brothers, Donald and George. He is survived by his wife Gloria Lynn (Farley), his sons, Philip (and his wife Ashley), Adam (and his wife Dale), as well as his dear grandchildren, Brock, Quinn, Ryah, and Gemma.

David will always be remembered as a kind and loving husband, and the best father a kid could ever wish for.

A Memorial Mass was held on May 31, 2025, at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Information for this obituary is from Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home Web site