It is with heavy hearts that Florida Atlantic University announces, on behalf of the Schnellenberger family, the passing of a dad, a grandpa, a husband and a legendary coach.
Beverlee Schnellenberger, who is grateful for the 61 years of marriage to Howard and enjoyed every moment of their life together as well as their football journey, expressed the Schnellenberger family’s appreciation, thanking those who have sent love and prayers, especially through the last several weeks and months. The couple met in 1958 and moved through life with Howard referring to Beverlee as either his bride or his assistant head coach.
“Howard always allowed me to be a part of his football life,” said Beverlee. “Watching him on the sidelines was an opportunity that gave us a special closeness – win or lose – that not many wives get. Even though he never smiled, he was always smiling in his heart. We loved all the moves and challenges. I will miss his warm heart, his warm hands and soft kisses. Howard always treated me special, like a queen, and was truly a husband that every Canadian girl dreams of. You will always be my love, now and forever. I’m proud to be your wife. You were a great leader of men and the leader of our lives.”
Coach Schnellenberger (March 16, 1934 – March 27, 2021) touched so many lives and left an impact upon those who were viewed by his steely blue eyes or addressed by his signature baritone voice. His impact will be carried on through today’s leaders and through the strong men and women who were lucky to fall under his tutelage.
A private, family only, memorial mass will be held. Schnellenberger is survived by: wife, Beverlee; son Timothy and wife Anyssa; son Stuart and wife Suzie; grandson Joey and wife Kristie; grandson Marcus and wife Rachell; granddaughter Teather and husband David; and great grandchildren Tyler, Lacie and Harper Ann. He is joined in death by his son Stephen, who passed away March 9, 2008 at the age of 48.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are asked to be made to the Schnellenberger Family Foundation located in Delray Beach, Florida, or the Howard Schnellenberger Endowed Scholarship Fund at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. There will be a celebration of life ceremony at Florida Atlantic on a date to be announced.
Comments
A true legend who impacted so many lives. My thoughts go out to Beverlee and the family.
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As an upperclassman and recent grad, I was directly involved to some degree in the program before it even was a program. I remember the talk of coach coming in to build a program (which at the time most students couldn't even comprehend there) and was pretty much right there when the program officially got off the ground. In between graduating, staying there for a year and just prior to law school, I was involved in some initiatives to get FAU football going, and remember the first time meeting him in the elevator and chatting. He was so excited and really believed in the vision – goal being at the time to go to the Big East eventually. Fun tidbit, I remember a lot of the folks up there (not him) getting sort of a chuckle with the school down south going with Don Strock while we were getting the man.
REALLY needs to be put on HOF due to his saving and building not one but TWO programs (UM and Louisville) and giving birth to one (FAU). Screw the record, hard to have a wining record with those circumstances and he was a success at all three schools!
GO OWLS!!!
Fall Bonfire has been moved to Thursday September 9th. Via Program Board.
Great to have the celebration then. I hope a lot of people come. I certainly plan on being there.
JUST IN: Schnellenberger Field logo has been unveiled.
"FAU Football wouldn't be the program it is now without Coach Schnellenberger. This is one of many ways we are planning to continue honoring his legacy this season and into the future." - AD Brian White
#OwlsUP 👌
Throughout the 2021 season, Florida Atlantic University athletics will be honoring its inaugural head football coach, the legendary Howard Schnellenberger, who passed away in March.
In conjunction with the Schnellenberger family, FAU is hosting a Celebration of Life to honor Coach Schnellenberger on Friday, Sept. 10. The event will be held at FAU Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with the main program, celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Howard Schnellenberger Field.
The event will feature a slate of speakers, who represent the breadth of Coach Schnellenberger's career. The event is open to the public and there will be no admission charge.
Thanks Rick!
FAU is also selling an $18 Tribute Shirt with Schnellenberger's famous line: "To believe is to be strong." Part of the proceeds benefit the Schnellenberger Family Foundation and FAU Athletics. The description says they hope for fans to wear them to the celebration and FAU's home opener vs. Georgia Southern.
Jared Allen, Florida Atlantic University
Dick Anderson, Miami Dolphins
Don Bailey Jr., University of Miami
Kim Bokamper, Miami Dolphins
Renee Couto, University of Louisville
Chris Fitzpatrick, University of Louisville
Tony Fitzpatrick, University of Miami
Armand Grossman, Florida Atlantic University
Ed Hudak, University of Miami
Joe Johnson, University of Louisville
John Kelly, Florida Atlantic University President
Bernie Kosar, University of Miami
George Linley, Palm Beach Sports Commission
Mercury Morris, Miami Dolphins
Browning Nagle, University of Louisville
Gary Nord, Louisville/Oklahoma/FAU
Fred O'Connor, Florida Atlantic University
John Rizzo, Florida Atlantic University
Maria Sachs, Palm Beach County Commissioner
Dick Schmidt, Florida Atlantic University
Scott Singer, Mayor of Boca Raton
Dwight Stephenson, Alabama/Miami Dolphins
Kurt Van Valkenburgh, Louisville/Oklahoma/FAU
Brian White, FAU Vice President and Director of Athletics
If it wasn't for Coach, none of us would be here.
We should be hearing from President Kelly soon.
No Jim Kelly?
I didn’t know about the skin cancer. Makes sense then. I expected to see names like Vinny Testaverde, Frank Brogans, and some form of Shula family representation. Maybe they are there and just not speaking or couldn’t make it. I’m sure there a ton of past players especially from FAU and Miami. How’s the turnout overall?