William Joseph “Bill” Schneider, age 85, of Hamilton, Ohio passed away Sunday July 12, 2026 at Gateway Springs Health Campus. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 15, 1940, the son of Aloysius Valentine (AV) Jr and Elizabeth (Rentschler) Schneider. Mr. Schneider was a member of St. Ann Church.

Bill was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and married the love of his life, Kathy, on August 31, 1963. He and Kathy were inseparable until her recent passing in May 2026, and were devoted to each other. Bill had strong Catholic influences, growing up on the same block as St. Peter in Chains Church in Hamilton and with his brother Gilbert a missionary priest. His Catholic faith sustained he and Kathy through the trials and tribulations of life, including numerous health challenges.

Considered a medical miracle, Bill received a kidney transplant (via organ donation from son Gil) in 1987 and survived 39+ years. He faced numerous other health challenges throughout his life, but with quiet strength and Kathy’s ever present support he overcame them all until his recent bout with cancer.

By profession, Bill was a pattern maker at Fisher Body Hamilton for over 20 years. It is hard to imagine a more appropriate match of man and job, as pattern making demanded a level of skill and precision Bill brought to everything he did. He was an expert auto mechanic, and through the years developed unique and innovative approaches to maximizing the fuel efficiency and reliability of the automobiles he owned. He was especially adept at tuning a carbureted car to fuel injection-like performance.

Bill had a lifelong fascination with automobiles, particularly those made by General Motors. He could recognize most older cars by their unique design features, and was a walking history of styling and engineering advances from the 1950s through the 1970s. He loved watching Hamilton’s antique car parade every year, and regaled the family with personal stories of people he knew who drove some of the more interesting cars. He passed this love of classic cars to his sons.

Bill also loved westerns, Clint Eastwood movies, boating in his classic Correct Craft Southwind 18 on Indian Lake, and an occasional cigar. However, his true passion was his family. Virtually every birthday and anniversary was celebrated with an extended family dinner at a local restaurant, and Bill savored the experiences and made sure there was plenty of time to share conversation and laughs. His appreciation for the time together was obvious.

One of Bill’s greatest roles was that of Grandpa. He wasn’t a huge sports fan or theater goer, but if his grandchildren were involved you could bet he would be in attendance. He made up nicknames for each of his grandchildren (and almost everyone else), and none of the grandkids could forget his shirt pocket full of “Grandpa candy.”

Bill left an indelible mark on his family and passed along numerous traits and traditions as his legacy. In today’s fast-paced society, he showed us how to slow down and just enjoy being with each other. Bill was very quick to tell his kids and grandkids how proud he was of them, and whenever someone told him they loved him he always responded, “I love you more.” We are proud of you Dad, and the life you led!

Survivors include three children, Bill (Lana) Schneider Jr., Gil Schneider, and Katrina Reynolds; five grandchildren, Amber, Nicole (Tony), Taylor, Katie, and Hannah; brother Don (Edie) Schneider and sister Susan (Joe) Puthoff. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, his parents, and his brother, Father Gilbert Schneider OFM.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 am Friday July 17, 2026, in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am Friday in St. Ann Church. Online register book at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to St. Ann’s Church online at sacredheart-fairfield.org or via check to:

St. Ann Catholic Church

3028 Pleasant Ave.

Hamilton, OH 45015