Donald F. Schmader Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

After courageously battling many chronic health problems, Donald F. Schmader, 87, of South Third Avenue, Clarion, died suddenly Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Born December 21, 1925 in Lucinda, he was the son of Joseph and Geraldine (Fascenmyer) Schmader. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, the former F. Louise Wolbert. Don began a banking career at the Marine Midland Bank of Western New York while studying finance at the University of Buffalo. Employment with Citizens Trust Company brought Don and Louise to Clarion. After many years of mergers and acquisitions, Don retired in 1987 from First Seneca Bank after nearly 40 years in the banking world. Faith and family were Don’s priority. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Don was a proud member of both the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council 7459 and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 0982 of Clarion County. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Pinecrest Country Club, past member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, past Board Member of the Clarion Hospital, past Director of the Clarion Chamber of Commerce, member of the American Legion Post 66 of Clarion, member of the William Penn Fraternal Benefit Society, and a partner in Monarch Lumber Co. Papa was a proud and patient father of “half dozen” girls, grandfather to sixteen, and great-grandfather of nine. His fondest memories were from times when everyone was together, whether at their camp in Lucinda or in the sunshine of Florida. Spring was his favorite time of year as he planted his garden and looked forward to sharing his harvest of heritage tomatoes. He also found joy in playing cards with friends, golfing, and making wine. Don’s involvement and interest in the banking and timber industries lasted throughout his life. In addition to his wife, his legacy includes his surviving five daughters: Donna Lebda and her husband, Frank, of Algonquin, IL; Diane Rhoads and her husband, Gary, of Mentor, OH; Deborah Faller and her husband, Gary, of California, MD; Cynthia Gates and her husband, Gerry, of St. Augustine, FL; and Susan Jones and her husband, Cahill, of Boise, ID; sixteen grandchildren: Joshua Wells, Jacob Wells, Paulette Lebda, Douglas Lebda, Gabriel Rhoads, Adam Rhoads, Donald Rhoads, Andrea Faller Atlas, Heidi Faller Medford, Tyler Gates, Emily Gates, Carlye Gates, Austin Gates, Dylan Jones, Hannah Jones and Parker Jones; and nine great-grandchildren. Two brothers and a sister also survive: Richard Schmader and his wife, Lyn, of Jupiter, FL; Bill Schmader and his wife, Millie, of Leeper, PA; and Patricia McFarland of Leeper, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Christine Wells; two brothers, Cyril and Bernard Schmader; an infant sister, Kathleen; and an infant grandson, Kyle Gates. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2013, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion. A Christian wake service will be conducted at 3:45 p.m. The rosary will be said at the end of the evening viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 16, 2013, in the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion, with Rev. Monty Sayers, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, presiding. Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. His family is grateful for their thoughtful friends and neighbors for their ongoing support and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charitable Deeds, 98 Hickory Nut Lane, Knox PA 16232; or the benefit of the Public School Religion program at Immaculate Conception Church, 720 Liberty Street, Clarion PA 16214.

Donald F. Schmader

December 21, 1925 - February 12, 2013