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!!!