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Robert Schnitz Obituary

Robert Craig Schnitz CHARLESTON - Robert Craig Schnitz, 75, passed peacefully at home August 7, 2020, with his wife and daughters at his side after a courageous 14 year battle with corticobasal degeneration, a rare neurodegenerative condition. Mr. Schnitz was born in Evanston, Illinois, on April 21, 1945, the son of Louis and Violet Schnitz. He was a 1963 graduate of Evanston Township High School and member of their football, wrestling and golf teams. Mr. Schnitz received his Bachelor's degree Magna Cum Laude in Slavic Language and Literature from Harvard College, where he lettered in golf. He studied Slavic Linguistics at Stanford University as the recipient of a National Defense Education Act Doctoral Fellowship. Mr. Schnitz interrupted his graduate program to serve as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army from 1968-1971 and later taught Russian at the National Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. Following graduation from the Harvard Law School in 1975, he joined the law firm of McBride, Baker and Coles in Chicago as a litigation attorney and later became Managing Partner of the firm. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who remembered taking the "El" to Wrigley Field as a boy on many summer afternoons, Mr. Schnitz was a North Shore resident most of his life, with homes in Evanston and Lake Forest. He had strong ties to both the Northwestern University Sheil Center and later, the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest. He couldn't remember a time when he did not enjoy music and studied piano, guitar and clarinet. His wife and children fondly remember his eclectic tastes in music and unpredictable sequences of Leon Redbone, Tchaikovsky, Cindy Lauper, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Enya and the Kingston Trio, and so the compact discs he packed for road trips were always a surprise to his family! He shared with them his fascination with astronomy and constellations and family stargazing at home or wherever they traveled together - on the prairie, on Pacific and Atlantic beaches, mountains and abroad - and they are remembered fondly. He retired from the practice of law in 2010 and moved to his home in Stono Ferry near Charleston, South Carolina. He enjoyed the many golfing opportunities that the Charleston area presented and came to love the beauty of the beaches, rivers, marshes and forests of the Low Country. He is survived by Marilyn Giblin, his wife of 52 years, his daughters, Elizabeth of Asheville, North Carolina and Johanna of Boston, Massachusetts, his son, David (Andrea Macielag), of Manchester Center, Vermont and granddaughters Avianna and Isabelle Schnitz. He also leaves his brothers, Paul Schnitz of Los Altos, California and James Schnitz (Janet) of Holladay, Utah; a sister, Catherine Bachman (John) of Ocala, Florida; sisters-in-law Patricia Folven (Gary) of Hingham, Massachusetts and Carol Gribbons of Holden, Massachusetts, and many loving nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, Georgia, California, Colorado, Florida and Kansas. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Schnitz are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island. The Rite of Committal will follow in the Churchyard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. Due to current guidelines, social distancing will be practiced and masks will be kindly worn. In November, the family will host a gathering of thanksgiving in celebration of the life of Robert Schnitz. Online Condolences may be offered at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. The family is deeply grateful for the care and concern of the home primary care, physical therapy and prosthetic staff of the Ralph Johnson Veterans' Medical Center, Southern Care Hospice staff and the MUSC students who assisted with his at-home care for the last two years. Those who wish to do so may make a donation in his memory to Cure PSP, the primary national research organization focused on progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration (CurePSP.org, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10001). Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843)766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 9 to Aug. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Schnitz

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Cremation.

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Lindsay Epstein

September 2, 2020

Dearest Marilyn and family
When I heard about your loss so many memories of Evanston came rushing back. In the 1980’s when we were neighbors I didn’t see much of Robert. He was so busy helping others. Marilyn and I got to know each other well! And we helped raise each other’s kids. Please reach out to me if you want to talk. Love, Lindsay Epstein

Jim Root

August 16, 2020

We were so saddened to see the notice of Robert's passing. We had not seen him for many years. We were neighbors in Evanston in the 80's and have very fond memories of him and his family. Much love to Marilyn and family.

Jim and Elizabeth Root

Patricia and Gary Folven

August 13, 2020

A man of such grace and depth has left us all deeply saddened. Marilyn and her family have given us examples of much warmth and devotion under extended sad circumstances. God rest Robert’s soul and grant comfort to Marilyn, David, Elizabeth, Joanna. He will be missed in so many ways by all who knew him and who were fortunate to spend time with him along life’s way.

Pat and Gary Folven

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Margaret McMahon

Planted Trees

Denise Whiteurst Felton

August 12, 2020

To Bob's family and friends, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. In the early 90's, I worked for McBride Baker & Coles for Carol Lenkart, who reported directly to Bob. He was professional and personable, a combination that is not always found, especially in well-read professionals of his caliber. I had a lot of respect for him and consider it a privilege to have known him. I left Chicago in 1994 to relocate to Oklahoma, and today was informed of his passing by someone who was certain that I'd want to know. I will pray for strength for those of you who remain to mourn his loss. I trust you will receive strength as only God can grant.

André Frieden

August 12, 2020

My deepest condolences for your loss. As a junior associate at McBride, I remember many interesting conversations with Bob on a range of legal and other topics. He was kind and thoughtful, and his advice was always useful. It was a pleasure to interact with him. My thoughts are with you.

Anne Gallagher

August 12, 2020

Many years ago, I consulted with MBB and worked with Bob. A wonderful, kind and thoughtful man. It's not always easy being a good guy in a competitive business like law but that is what defined Bob. His example will always live on.

Bill Russell

August 12, 2020

Dear Marilyn and Family,

My deepest condolences. I got to know Bob only for a relatively short period while I was at McBride as a summer and first year associate, but he made a lasting and very positive impression on me. I will forever be grateful for him giving me my first opportunity as a practicing attorney at McBride, and for the knowledge and wisdom he shared. I knew then that Bob was an especially gifted lawyer and a genuinely kind and thoughtful person, with a uniquely down to Earth view of the World. I wish I'd have had the chance to get to know him much better. My thoughts are with you.

Laura Derouin

August 12, 2020

I was a mid-level associate at McBride, and then at Holland & Knight. Bob and I rarely worked together, but he did interview me and for the rest of my time at the firm always had a smile and a kind word. I could see how respected and admired he was by my colleagues, and every interaction I had with him left me with no doubt as to why that would be. I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.

Steven Bashaw

August 12, 2020

Bob was one of the most compassionate lawyers, and the best managing partner, I have ever known. He impacted my life and my family greatly in our time together.

Steve Bashaw

Carolyn Ferry

August 12, 2020

Dear Marilyn, Liz, Johanna and David,

I remember Robert as such a kind and approachable person, a friend always and a joy to spend time with or bump into in the hallway. My husband Pete recalls him as a loving father to his talented Lake Forest High School kids. What a loss! We extended our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of a truly wonderful person.

Carolyn and Pete Ferry

Whispering Love Arrangement - BASKET INCLUDED

Cara Carlson

Sent Flowers

Betsy Perdue

August 11, 2020

Marilyn and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you know how many lives Bob touched, and how we are all so much better persons for having known him. He was the trusted advisor we all turned to for a insightful, caring and creative response, delivered with that signature smile and laugh. I will miss him greatly.

Shirley Macielag

August 11, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jonathan Strouse

August 10, 2020

Marilyn and family- My deepest sympathies. Bob was one of the smartest and best attorneys that I have ever practiced with in my career. He was a fabulous person and always cared about the people around him. He was an excellent attorney, a great writer, and a brilliant thinker. And a great athlete too. I will miss him greatly.

Carole ONeil

August 10, 2020

Marilyn and family,
Dick and I are so very sorry to hear of Roberts passing. He suffered so much these last few years. You have been there for him every step of the way
Peace be with all of you
Love
Dick and Carole

Alfred Ford

August 9, 2020

Marilyn & Family,

Our thought's and prayers are with you and your family. Robert was such a wonderful neighbor and we will surely miss him.

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Memorial Events
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Aug

12

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29407

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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