BRUNSWICK – Gilbert “Gil” Pease Schneidewind, 82, retired Naval commander, died peacefully Oct. 6, at his home in Brunswick after a long illness.

Born on March 8, 1933, in Verona, New Jersey, he was the son of William H. and Carol P. Schneidewind.

He graduated from College High School in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1951. Schneidewind attended Rutgers University for two years, followed by four years at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in naval engineering. He then commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. In 1957, Schneidewind married Carol Stewart.

After graduation Schneidewind went through Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas, receiving his “Wings of Gold” in May 1959. During 24 years of Naval service, the Schneidewind family moved 12 times, finally settling in Brunswick. When he retired in 1981, Schneidewind had accumulating 6,000 pilot hours. Those who worked with him admired and appreciated his fairness and good nature.

After retirement from the Navy, Schneidewind was employed for 11 years by Bath Iron Works in the engineering department. He then prepared taxes for H&R Block for 20 years, which he enjoyed very much. He had many faithful clients who did not want him to retire.

Schneidewind loved playing golf, and greatly enjoyed strong friendships with many fellow golfers. His other interests included gardening, coin collecting and antique cars. He and his wife traveled to many Caribbean islands and Bermuda, their favorite island.

A longtime member of First Parish Church in Brunswick, he served as a deacon and on church committees. Schneidewind was a member of the Pine Tree Society board of directors, and was past president of Independence Association.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years; his children, Gail S. Doughty of Winthrop, Steven F. Schneidewind of West Bath, Jane S. Drew of Portland, and Jill Schneidewind of Brunswick; nine grandchildren, Bennett and Kristin Doughty, Samantha Schneidewind, Misty Smith, Mindy Kebles, Carol Anne Bucklin, Mary Swanson, Andy Bucklin and Mark Fowler; five great-grandchildren, Brady Keefe, Melanie Smith, Kasey Mae Kebels, Hayden Zolas and Jaxon Swanson; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Wiedersheim of Hamden, Connecticut; and a brother, William H. Schneidewind of Atlanta, Georgia.

A memorial service for Schneidewind with military honors will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at First Parish Church in Brunswick, followed by a reception in the church vestry.

Memorial donations may be made to First Parish Church, 9 Cleavelend St., Brunswick, ME 04011; Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program 84A Union St., Brunswick, 04011; Hospice/CHANS, 60 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011; or Coastal Humane Society, 90 Range Road, Brunswick, 04011.

The Schneidewind family extends their gratitude to the nurses and home care providers at Hospice/CHANS.

Schneidewind