DARTMOUTH — Harry A. Schoening, Jr., 90, of Dartmouth, passed away on May 17, 2011, peacefully with loving family around him.
Harry was known by many to be a true gentleman, a leader in the community, a fun loving friend and committed family man.
He was born on May 30, 1920, to Harry and Alida Schoening in Long Island City, NY. He is predeceased by his younger sister Alida "Wutz" Konstant, wife of Jack, children Louise, Gina, Marcus, and Roger.
Harry was a graduate of City College of New York with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering which he put to good use in the golf industry for 60 years. He was employed by Titleist for 37 years, culminating in his role overseeing Quality Assurance Operations. He had a great love for Titleist as a company, and most especially the people. Prior to Titleist, Harry worked for U.S. Rubber in Quality Control for 23 years.
Harry generously gave of his time and talents to many organizations in Dartmouth, New Bedford and Plainville, MA. He was actively involved for over 40 years in the church community that he loved so much - the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth. Over the years he held many leadership positions such as moderator, treasurer, deacon, and numerous board positions. In addition to organized religion Harry was "interested in nature - its beauties and mysteries." His love of nature took him frequently on hikes, bird watching expeditions and to the side yard to work in his gardens.
Other local community service activities for Harry included Grinnell House Board of Directors for 20 years, Teacher and Board Member for Junior Achievement and Interchurch Council Board, both for over 40 years. In Plainville, Harry was School Committee Chairman and in Wrentham was Religious Education Board Chairman at the Congregational Church.
Harry was an avid athlete and sports enthusiast. One of his great passions in life was playing golf with his family and his golf buddies. Harry spent many memorable days sailing his boat, Legolas, in Buzzard's Bay and skiing in the hills of New Hampshire, listening to opera on many a return trip. He took great pleasure in coaching his sons' Little League baseball and Pony League basketball teams. Harry logged thousands and thousands of hours attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, travelling as far east as Germany and as far west as Hawaii. As a youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Harry loved spending time with friends and family, bringing much laughter into their lives with his quick wit and his appreciation for the ridiculous. Favorite activities included bowling, bicycling, investing, tennis, bridge and travel. He was a member of Allendale Country Club and The New Bedford Yacht Club.
His survivors include his wife of 62 years, Martha (Davis) Schoening; son Harry and wife, Amy of San Francisco, CA, son Jeffrey and wife, Mira of Seattle, WA, daughter, Andrea Novakowski and husband, Bill of Ashland, MA, and son Rob and wife, Mary Beth of Dartmouth, MA. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Max, Cara, Maggie and Connor Schoening and James and Anna Novakowski.
Harry's family is most grateful to Emeritus and Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance in his final days.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, May 20th, from 4-7 pm at Wilson Chapel, 479 County Street in New Bedford. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 29th, at 11:00 am at the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth with a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth, 17 Middle Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748 or Junior Achievement, 106 Spring Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.
Online tributes can be made at www.wilsonchapel.net