Matthew Richard Schnur

Matthew Richard Schnur 83, of Wilmington, NC died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center of a brief illness.

Matt was born in Albany, NY on November 13, 1937, the son of the late Matthew Anthony and Fredereka Smith Schnur. Matthew was the eldest of 33 grandchildren.

Matt attended high school at Ravena Coeymans High School and lettered in three sports for 4 years. He attended Brockport State, graduated with Bachelors’s Degree in Health and Physical Education. He also attended Syracuse University with a Master’s Degree in Science. Matthew successfully completed the five-year course of study at Wesley Theological Seminary and was a local pastor in New York and North Carolina. He served as a chaplain in New Hanover Regional Hanover County Regional Medical Center.

Matt lived a life of service with many organizations. He served as a volunteer at the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service for 30 years. He was active in many organizations, such as Cooperative Extension, United Methodist Men, Walk to Emmaus, and the Jaycees.

He enjoyed playing baseball well into his 40’s. Served as a referee and coach for multiple sports for many years. He developed a lifetime love of hunting and fishing with his Uncle Walt, and he enjoyed many walleye fishing trips with a dear friend, Jim Caldwell of Canastota NY.

He taught Advanced Chemistry at Syracuse University and High School Biology and Chemistry in Canastota and other regional public schools for 33 years before he retired. He was a spiritual man and a lifetime learner, later he transitioned to ministry.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years Kathryn Wethey Schnur; sons Richard Schnur and wife Debra and Robert Schnur and wife Mary Rose; daughter Karen S. Crater and husband Mark; brother Frederick Schnur and partner Sal Regalado; sister Linda S. Dankert and husband Ron. He took great delight in spending time with his four grandchildren Krista and husband Logan Santos; Derek; Jacob; and Joseph.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 26, 2021, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Carolina Beach. At a later date, graveside services will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Port Byron, NY.

In lieu of flowers; memorial donations are requested for The Salvation Army PO Box 90 Wilmington, NC 28402-0090, the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) PO Box 9068 New York, New York 10087-9068, or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 300 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.