Walter J. Schanbacher

Walter J. SchanbacherOf Newark ValleyWalter J. Schanbacher, 86, died peacefully at Wilson Memorial Hospital on February 13, 2008. Walt is survived by his wife, companion and best friend of 58 years, Marie (Coolbaugh) Schanbacher, his sons and daughters-in-law, Walter and Nan (Waksman) Schanbacher, of Merion Station, PA, and Dana and Julie (Smith) Schanbacher, of Newark Valley; five grandchildren, Jennifer, of Woods Hole, MA, Michael, of Nashville, TN, and Steffi, Christa and Kathryn, all of Newark Valley; his aunt Leonora Schuh, of Philadelphia, PA; and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Katherine, his brother Robert, and his grandson Joshua.Walt was a teacher of World and Ancient History for many years at Cortland High School. Although he enjoyed teaching the brightest students, he had a special talent for discovering the strengths of students who simply needed to be treated with respect or who had not been appreciated for their skills, many of whom later remembered his significance to them and, not to his surprise, became valued members of the community.Walt was born on January 28, 1922, in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from Frankford High School and enrolled at Temple University. His initial college career was postponed after one semester by induction into the United States Army Air Corps in January 1941. He served his country in World War II (achieving rank of sergeant), and was honorably discharged in 1946. Walt did not return to college until 1956, by which time he already had a family; he graduated in three years from the University of Scranton with a B.S. in History, cum laude, in 1959, and later earned a Masters Degree.The discovery of King Tuts tomb early in his childhood instilled in Walt a lifelong interest in ancient history, archaeology, and science. Seldom was he without a Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, or National Geographic. In recent years he served on the Board of the Tioga County Arts Council. His appreciation of organ music led to meeting the love of his life, Marie Coolbaugh, creating one of the familys more colorful stories. They were married on May 6, 1950. This May would have marked their 58th anniversary.Walt and Marie raised two sons, Walter W. and Dana C. He found his greatest joy from his grandchildren Jennifer (27), Michael (23), Steffi (4), and twins Kathryn and Christa (2) all of whom know him as Toppy. He was known for his love of working outside, especially on his lawn. He is now at peace with grandson Joshua, most assuredly clearing away weeds and dandelions. A memorial commemoration will be held at the Newark Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 23, with the family receiving friends beginning at 11:30 AM, to be followed by the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of ones choice. Caring assistance provided by the Cooley family of MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley, NY.