Walter P. Schneiderwind, Jr.

Born July 13, 1942, in Plainfield, NJ, Walter Peter Schneiderwind Jr. grew up in Middlesex, NJ, and later settled in Upper Black Eddy, PA. He was the son of the late Walter Peter Schneiderwind Sr. and Bertha (Morecraft) Schneiderwind.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Jane Mayers; his son, Craig Peter Schneiderwind, and daughter-in-law Denise; his grandchildren, Brock Schneiderwind and Briana Kuehn and her husband Bruce; his great-grandchildren, Denver and Austin; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin sister, Jeanne Xanthopoulos.

Walt graduated from Bound Brook High School in 1960. He attended Keystone Junior College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University.

Walter proudly served his country in the United States Public Health Service, rising to the rank of Captain during his 20-year career. His service took him to hospitals in New York City, Detroit, Carville, Louisiana, Philadelphia, and finally to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where he worked directly under Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.

After retiring from federal service, Walt embraced a second calling. In 1987, he purchased the Schneiderwind Farm, where he poured his heart into the land. The farm became a place of learning, laughter, and connection, shared with his mother, sister, son, nieces, nephews, students, and countless members of the local community.

Affectionately known as Poppie, Walter was an honest, hardworking provider who deeply loved his family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for the underdog and was always quietly helping those in the community who needed a hand.

Walter had a lifelong love of water, which began at his family’s childhood vacation home near Toms River, NJ. He developed exceptional sailing skills, a passion he shared with Jane both privately and through the Annapolis Naval Sailing Association. In later years, joy came from simpler pleasures:  meals at MaDe’s Chat Shop, day trips to Ocean Grove, NJ, with Jane, cruising to his local hangouts, and finding quiet, shady places to sit and take in the world around him.

For 16 years, Walt faced prostate cancer with courage, grace, and determination. He participated in multiple clinical trials, always hopeful yet practical, and never defined by his illness. When the time came, he passed peacefully, just as he lived, surrounded by love.

We love you, Poppie.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ. A Celebration of Walter’s Life will follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Emily R. McCachren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Walter’s memory may be made to Frenchtown Presbyterian Church, 20 4th Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825.

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