Eric Phillip Schneider

Born on September 18, 1941, to Phillip and Katherine (Pfaff) Schneider, Eric grew up surrounded by family. He was the proud older brother of Craig (the late Dianne) Schneider, Joan (the late John) Tigue, Paul Schneider and Pat (Joe) Sasak. Eric graduated from Warrensville Heights High School and was still close to many of his friends from childhood.

Eric was a father to Renee (Jim) Depp, Michelle Schneider, and John (Jennifer) Schneider. He was a proud grandfather to Jeffrey and Randi Depp, Gabrielle Schneider, Lilian Conroy, and Jared, Dylan and Megan Schneider and great-grandfather to Jerrick and Apollo. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. For many years, he shared his life with his loving partner, Linda Heagle.

If there was water nearby, chances are Eric was involved. He was a well-known and active part of the Cleveland boating community, serving in many roles with the Greater Cleveland Boating Association, Chagrin River Yacht Club and The Captains Yacht Club. Boating wasn’t just a hobby — it was a way of life and a community he cherished deeply.

Later in life, Eric traded Lake Erie breezes for Florida sunshine, where he discovered a new passion: gardening. He took special pride in growing beautiful orchids and plumeria trees — and if you visited, you were probably getting the full tour whether you asked for it or not. Eric had an open door policy for visitors in Florida. Many family and friends were welcomed and entertained by him.

Eric had a lifelong love of polka music — and not just any polka, but Cleveland/Slovenian-style polkas. He loved it so much that he took lessons to play the button box himself. If there was a live polka band, Eric was there — often playing the spoons right along with them and making sure everyone else was having just as much fun as he was.

He proudly served in the United States Navy and never missed a chance to fly a flag outside his home — American flags, NASCAR flags, and especially THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Racing was another passion, and Eric and his son John made many memories attending NASCAR races together.

Eric was loud, social, and never one to shy away from being the center of attention. Everyone knew him as “Big E”. He was a large man at 6’6! He loved people, loved a good time and built friendships everywhere he went. His presence filled a room, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

In true Eric fashion, we imagine there’s music playing, flags flying, and maybe even a polka band welcoming him home.

He will be missed beyond words — but never forgotten.

The family looks forward to gathering at a future date to celebrate and share memories of Eric’s life.