Free Press –
Russell Schanely
Dear Friends,
Good morning. Last week, I attended the memorial service for Russell Schanely of Quakertown. He was 80. Russ was a devoted community leader, probably best known for his work among veterans. St. John’s Lutheran Church was full as his friends and colleagues attended his service.
I remember the Schanely family very well. His father was a fine jeweler in Quakertown’s 200 block of West Broad Street and his mother, Miriam, continued the store after his death.
Russ lost his leg while serving in the army during World War II. This disability must have motivated him to serve his fellow veterans because he devoted his life to them, especially those who were afflicted from mental or physical injury.
Russ served two terms on the Quakertown Borough Council and was active in countless civic organizations. During my Bucks County Commissioner days in the 1960’s, Russ was the Bucks County Director of Veterans Affairs and led the department for 11 years. Earlier, he was an elected Bucks County row officer. Russ was the Clerk of Quarter Sessions from 1956 to 1960.
Stephen Hanchuruck talked about his father-in-law during the memorial service. “The number three was significant in Russ’ life,” Hanchuruck began… “The three women he loved (his wife, Marilynn, and daughters Laurie and Maribeth); and his three grandsons and three granddaughters. Hanchuruck told the congregation that the three most important things in Russ’ life were God, country and family. “He gave his life to veterans,” Hanchuruck continued. He remembered his father-in-law decorating cemeteries with flags each Memorial Day.
Reverend Raymond Miller conducted the services. He mentioned that people called him immediately with stories about Russ. And Reverend Miller had three items of his own for us to think about. “Russ had love for others through the service he gave them,” Miller began. “Russ had a keen sense of humor and excellent insight. He found humor in difficult situations. And I’ll always remember Russ’ cigars.
“Russ had a heart of gold,” Miller continued. “He touched the lives of his community. His greatest legacy was his love for others and his willingness to sacrifice his own needs for others.”
Selections from the 14th chapter of Luke were most fitting for Russ’ service. It’s a parable where Jesus tells the listeners, “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Last, I particularly enjoyed Reverend Miller’s explanation of Russ’ obituary. “Russ wrote it himself,” the pastor smiled.
That, friends, is a very good idea. It’s very difficult for family members to create a fitting tribute when a loved one leaves this world for the next…even when it’s expected.
My advice is to prepare your obit while your wits are still with you. That’s my plan. It will be fun for readers to decide whether my obit is fact or fiction.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith