Richard M. Schneer, 85
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Dr. Richard Moses Schneer, 85, of Williamstown died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, at Sweet Brook Care Centers, following a long illness. Born in New York City on July 7, 1919, son of Jacob Bernard and Sadie Glass Schneer, he attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens, N.Y., the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in 1940, and Columbia University, from which he earned his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1943. He moved to Hancock in 1961.
An Army veteran of World War II, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and was deployed to India in preparation for the invasion of Japan.
Returning to New York City in 1946, Dr. Schneer joined, later inherited and expanded his father's dental practice. Still later, he helped establish and became editor of a professional newspaper, the Dental Times.
He was a member of left-wing circles in New York City, including the Friends of India, an organization he helped to found that made its way onto the attorney general's list of subversive organizations. During the Vietnam War, he was among Berkshire County's critics of American policies. He also was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement.
After moving to Hancock, he became active in the conservation movement and fought long and hard to preserve the rural character of the town.
He was said to be a man of principle and character, loyal to his friends, loving to his family, and will be mourned and missed by many.
He and his wife, the former Sophie Solomonoff, were married in 1943 in Far Rockaway.
Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Deborah Schneer of North Adams; a son, Jonathan Schneer of Decatur, Ga., and two grandsons, Benjamin and Seth Schneer, both of Decatur.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A celebration of the life of Dr. Schneer will be held Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4:30 at Pittsfield Unitarian Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Ave. Interment will take place privately.
Arrangements are under the direction of the GEORGE M. HOPKINS FUNERAL HOME, 61-67 Spring St., Williamstown.