August 17, 2017
Schoener, Albert G.
Albert G. Schoener, 94, a lifetime resident of Roslindale passed away on August 12, 2017. Born in Boston, he was the son of Gustav and Charlotte (Oberlander) Schoener.
He attended grade school in Roslindale, and then technical school in Boston.
Upon Graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, where he attended flight school. He became a Hellcat fighter pilot in the ‘Fighting Ron 21’ squadron, and was assigned to tours of duty on several different aircraft carriers during WWII. His last tour of duty was patrolling the island of Saipan in the Pacific theater. Because of his love for flying, he later volunteered to be a test pilot for the Navy. He was one of two pilots selected to demonstrate taking off and landing on the aircraft carrier USS Independence for visiting politicians and Navy brass on the Columbia River as part of operation Magic Carpet. He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1945 as a Lieutenant JG.
He married Joyce Challis of New Zealand in 1947, and together raised three children – Al, Pam and Denise. He supported his family by working as a finish-carpenter for a residential construction company.
Early in his marriage, Al’s hobbies included riding his Indian motorcycle and occasionally filling-in on the drums in a good friend’s band. Once he had children, he turned his attention totally to providing for them. He was an avid sports fan, who particularly enjoyed watching local Boston teams, such as the Red Sox and Patriots, as well as PGA golf.
He will be remembered most for his quick wit, deep humility and love of family.
Al is survived by his children, Albert W. Schoener and his wife Marilyn of Natrona Heights, PA, Pamela (Ferguson) Schoener of Hanover and Denise Schoener of Hanson along with his 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Schoener and Marsha Martin.
Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations in Al’s memory may be made to Brockton VAMC, (payable to Boston Healthcare) Unit 42C, Hospice Unit, 940 Belmont St., Brockton, MA 02301.
Comments(16)
Al, only had the pleasure of meeting you a few times. Each time was an experience.. Good ones of course. My condolences to Denise,and her family,on your passing into a better place… RIP my friend…
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Schoener for a number of years. I’ve always found him to be the ultimate gentleman whom I highly respected and admired. I loved his humor and easy going personality and will miss him. To Denise and the family, Amy & I offer our sincere condolences.
Godspeed Al…..
Pam and family,
Al was an amazing man and the whole country owes him thanks for his remarkable service. He is now flying with guardian angel wings and will continue to provide protection and support for his family. Thoughts and prayers from the Meegan family for your deep loss.
Dear Denise and family. I am sorry to hear the passing of you father Denise. I remember fondly of talking with you about your dad about his Navy career. I also remember you and I talking about a certain aircraft carrier on a river as I watched you research the internet pulling old aircraft carriers up. You are very proud of your father and rightly so! I also remember your dad giving you information of the old days in Roslindale for my stories of Boston Police Officers killed in the line of duty. You have been blessed Denise to have such a father. God bless you Denise. I know you looked after your dad. Again, I feel your sorrow. General Douglas MacArthur said during his retirement speech, “Old soldier’s never die, they just fade away.” Sincerely my dear Denise….
Ray
Al was an amazing man to our family, he showed his love for Doug and I and helped my mom (Doris) as we grew up in Roslindale. Always a very good friend to the family. He will be missed but is in a better place. Condolences and love to Al, Pam, and Denise love John and Delma Livingston
So sorry for your loss Denise and the Schoener family, its tough losing your Dad but always remember the great times and patriotism your dad embodied. Truly someone all Americans could look up to!
DearPam, sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. U are in my thoughts and prayers.
Al, Pam Denise and Family,
What a blessing your Dad was to our family. I remember how your family included our family in your holiday celebrations. I remember your Dad giving us rides, like picking me up at Children’s Hospital after I had broken my wrist, going to basketball and baseball games, eating Chinese food in West Roxbury and being simply a great guy whom we loved dearly. May the Lord bless you with His grace, mercy, comfort, hope and peace. Love, Doug, Judy, Laura, Jim, Paul and Scott
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Mr Schoener was such a great guy. I remember him as always having a smile on his face. I treasure all the great memories of him and the times I spent with your family. Prayers and love to you all.
Pam and family
Sorry to hear about your dad thoughts and prayers
So saddened to hear of your Dads passing! He was truly one of a kind ! You all were so blessed to have him as a Dad ! He will be missed and my heart and prayers go out to all of you! I never knew he had an Indian Motorcycle!! Love from Mom(Joan), Tony, Billy & Joan-Ellen !
I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Pam and family on this sad occasion.
Pam, What a beautiful tribute to Dad. I am sorry for your loss and will always remember the times we got together in Hanover. He was very humble. I am glad everyone will know his dedication to his family and his Navy career. God bless.
Pam so sorry to hear of your Dads death. I remember the times he would stop by our office in the town hall and chat up a storm. I always loved to hear what you cooked for him and his comments to Tom Brady during the Super Bowl. He had a fascinating and long life! Remember the good times and know what a good daughter you were!
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Al’s family. Al was a dear friend to my mother and our family. I was deeply saddened when I learned of his passing.
I have very fond memories of Al growing up. He first was a neighbor, but also became a very good friend to my mother and I.
I have fond memories of spaghetti dinners with “dirty socks” (parmesean cheese), which of course I taught my son.
He was such a joyful soul. He is surely missed!
Uncle Bud – you will be missed!
I had the pleasure of spending some time with my great uncle several years ago, he was truly a fine gentleman! He was the brother of my late grandmother, Marsha. My mother and I were very sorry to hear of his passing, our condolences to the rest of the family.