Donald E Schnirel

June 3, 1940 - March 9, 2020

SCHNIREL, Donald E. Peacefully laid down his working tools on March 9, 2020 in Myrtle Beach, SC at the age of 79. Don was born on June 3, 1940 in Buffalo, NY to the late Norman Schnirel and Irene Stretch Schnirel. Don graduated from Kenmore High School in 1958 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959. In 1963, after his enlistment was completed, he joined the U. S. Naval Reserves, serving our country for a total of nearly 35 years. After his enlistment concluded, he worked for the Village of Kenmore, NY and was in charge of the water department until his retirement in 2000. Don and his beloved wife Joan relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2010. Don was a long time member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was Past Master of Master Builder Lodge 911 F&AM, Kenmore, NY, serving in 1972, and later served as the Secretary for over 25 years. He became a member of Ken-Ton Lodge 1186 in Cheektowaga, NY. He later affiliated with Murrells Inlet Lodge 368 AFM in Murrells Inlet, SC. He was a member of Ismalia Shrine, Buffalo, NY, prior to affiliating with Omar Shrine in Charleston, SC. He was honored by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 2017 for his 50 years of service to Free Masonry. Don is survived by his wife Joan P. Schnirel of Myrtle Beach, SC. He is also survived by his children Melanie Quezada (Pete) of Grand Island, NY and Gregory Schnirel (Kelly) of Jacksonville, FL. He is survived by his step-children Kathryn Kahn (Stewart) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Bruce Bowers of Saint Cloud, MN; and Brian Bowers (Linda) of Mundelein, IL. He is survived by his brother N. David Schnirel (Jean) of Williamsville, NY. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren. Don, all who knew you wish you “Fair Winds and Following Seas”. Memorial services will be private. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.