William A. Schnellbaecher

William Adam Schnellbaecher passed away at home on December 11, 2022 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. The son of Adam and Karoline Schnellbaecher, Bill was born in Bergenfield, NJ on 7/27/1936 and was a graduate of Bergenfield High School where he was a multi-sport athlete and All-state baseball player in 1953. He later graduated from Ithaca College where he played baseball and still holds the Ithaca College single season batting average record of .513 (1957). After graduation Bill played one season for the St Louis Cardinals minor league team. Bill continued playing ball on the softball field, playing for many years on local bar/tavern teams. He also enjoyed years of daily golf with old friends.

Bill began his teaching career with the Troy City School District in 1960, where he was both a Physical Education Teacher and coach. Bill coached baseball, football, golf, and bowling before retiring in 1994. While at Troy High School Bill led the varsity baseball team to several Big 10 championships and was Class A Sectional Finalists in 1983 and 1984. Despite being a high handicapper golfer himself, he coached the THS golf team to a 84-0 record spanning 3 seasons (1983-1985).

Bill was a quiet man who enjoyed puttering in his yard, sitting on his front porch or around the pool. But nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. A better grandfather would be hard to find.

Bill was pre-deceased by his wife of 56 years, Jude (Ryan) and his grandson Luke. Bill is survived by his children Mark (Ahmad) of New York, NY; Matt (Jo Ann) of Anchorage, Alaska; Amy (Bob) of Rensselaer, NY; William (Antoinette) of Troy, NY; Kurt of Rensselaer,NY; and Sarim Ouch (Sara) of East Nassau, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren Justin, Adam (Allie), William III, Jenah, and Matthew Ryan Schnellbaecher, Trey and Jane Orme Ouch, and his great grandchildren Paityn and Jaxon Orme Ouch.

The family would like to thank Jessica, Susan, and Chong for their care and company during our father’s final months. You provided him and our family with comfort and peace knowing he was safe and well taken care of. Your help enabled us to keep him in his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 17, 2022 at 10:30 am at the Wm. Leahy Funeral Home 336 Third St Troy, NY 12180 and interment will follow in St Joseph’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited and may call on Friday from 3 – 7 pm at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 1003 New Loudon Road Cohoes, NY 12047. Please note Bills name in the memo section.

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