Frederick William Schneider, III

Frederick William Schneider III of Manheim Township passed away February 3, 2026, following a brief illness. Born March 9, 1940, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Frederick W. Schneider and Eleanor Jane (Rebele) Schneider. He was an avid historian and photographer, focusing his interest in trolley operations and railroads. Co-author of two volumes outlining the history of the 1930s modern Presidents’ Conference Committee streetcars, he was a diligent researcher as well as an exceptional writer.

During high school, he was active in Junior Achievement and served as photographer for the school newspaper and the yearbook. His photographic/darkroom abilities were learned early from his father, as was his intense interest in railroads, evoked during World War II when fuel was rationed and the two of them would go to Turtle Creek, east of Pittsburgh, to watch steam locomotives at work.

Fred developed a taste for travel during family vacations in his youth, and after joining the U.S. Army following graduation from high school, used his time off during his U. S. Military deployment in Germany to visit many of Europe’s major cities. Following his return to the States and his completion of a Bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College, he briefly taught in the public schools and then joined the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, from which he was retired. His adventures in travel continued over the 49 continental U.S. states, and once again, multiple visits to Europe.

His photography hobby included an extensive basement darkroom, where he printed not only his own work but that of numerous other rail authors for publication. He was a member of the Lancaster Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington PA, and Baltimore Streetcar Museum, and served as a volunteer operator at the two museums. His photographic legacy is preserved with these entities.

In addition to his sister, Sue E. Haney, his granddaughter, Shannon Muhammad, and six great-grandchildren, Fred is survived by a daughter, Thirza Peevey, and her daughter Marian, He was predeceased by his wife, Marie Veri Schneider, and a daughter, Lynne Marie Schauer.

There will be no viewing, and interment is private. Memorial donations may be made to support the Archives of Pennsylvania Trolley Museum or Baltimore Streetcar Museum.