Leo August Schneider, a pharmaceutical industry microbiologist originally from Bloomsburg, PA and long-term resident of Lancaster, PA and Buckingham, PA Township, died Sunday May 24th at Misericordia Convalescent Home, York, Pa., surrounded by his family. He was 84, and the husband of Myra Arlene (Greenly) Schneider for over 61 years.

Born August 13, 1925 in Mt. Carmel, PA, he was the son of the late Leo A. Schneider Sr. and Matilda Catherine (Britt) Schneider. Mr. Schneider was raised in Bloomsburg, PA, where he was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a 1943 graduate of Bloomsburg High School, where he had starred on the football team.

Immediately following graduation, Mr. Schneider enlisted in the U.S Coast Guard where he served for more than two years. He attained the rank of Radarman First Class, and was involved in troop deployments and landings in the European Theater aboard the destroyer USS William M. Black. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Mr. Schneider enrolled in Mount St. Mary's College from which he graduated with a BS degree in biology in l950. He received a Master's Degree in microbiology from the University of Kentucky in 1953, and took advanced courses toward a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1954, Mr. Schneider joined Wyeth Laboratories, working in the Radnor and Marietta, PA, facilities until 1972. In 1972, Mr. Schneider was named manager of the Biological Quality Control Unit of Pittman Moore Co., then a veterinary pharmaceutical subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Corp. in Washington Crossing, PA. He held that position until his retirement in March, 1989. From 1972 until suffering a stroke in 2000, he resided in Buckingham Twp. PA.

Mr. Schneider was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown PA, and held an honorary life membership in the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Schneider is survived by a son, Anthony Leo Schneider, Lancaster, PA; three daughters: Jane Regina Schneider, York, PA; Susan Schneider Brown, York, PA, and Joanne Schneider Bee, Doylestown, PA. and 5 Grandchildren. Friends will be received from 1130AM to 12Noon on Thursday, May 28th at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA,  with the Mass to follow at 12 Noon. Interment to follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Lancaster, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Schneider's memory to Misericordia Convalescent Home, 998 S. Russell St., York, PA 17402. Arrangements by the Charles Snyder Funeral Home, Lancaster, PA 393-9661. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com