1934 – 2016

AUBURN — Clayton J. Schneider Jr., 81, of Sumner, died Tuesday afternoon, April 12, at the Hospice House with family at his side.

A remarkable man, he was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 6, 1934, the son of Clayton J. and Julia (Ebert) Schneider. He attended school in Pennsylvania and western New York and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. On April 7, 1956, he married the former Phyllis Lyeth and together they eventually settled in Elma, N.Y., to raise their family.

Clayton worked for many years as a scientist in research labs in the explosives and pyrotechnics industry. Possessed of an incredible intellect and curiosity, he also held several patents for various inventions that he created over the years. Among his favorite pastimes were photography, collecting and cutting gemstones, creating jewelry, cooking, hunting, shooting, camping and harvesting and eating nature’s “wild foods,” such as mushrooms and fiddleheads. He most enjoyed the special times spent with his family, children and grandchildren.

Shortly after retirement, he and his wife moved to Maine and for the last 12 years have resided in Sumner. They were parishioners at St. Catherine’s of Sienna Catholic Church in Norway. He was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years; his three children and their spouses; four grandchildren; and a sister.

Prayers for Clayton and his family would be greatly appreciated.

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