Jeffrey Paul Schnell

Our Dad and Poppy, Jeffrey Paul Schnell, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday January 4, 2025 . His last words were “What will be, will be”.

Jeff moved to Albany in 1971 as a young man from Pittsburgh, PA. He was in the United States Navy and stationed at the then Naval Air Station. It later became what we know as Miller Brewing Company, where he became employed in 1980 and was employed there until his retirement in 2010. Jeff loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Martin houses that he built, vintage cars, which he owned a few and most importantly his family. His only daughter, Laura Killebrew and granddaughter Lillie Senkbeil were the “Apple of his eye” and highlight of his life.

When Laura and Rob married, Jeff’s family grew with the addition of a granddaughter Megan and a grandson Daniel. And later, the addition of a great grandson, Mac, who he said was the “most precious little boy.”

Anyone who knew Jeff knew how he loved to carry on a good conversation. You might meet him on the street as a complete stranger and he would strike up a conversation like he had known you all his life…. never a stranger he met. He loved a good deal and would work until he got the best one. He had a great sense of humor and was devoted to his real friends. He was terribly handsome and his bright, blue eyes could light up a room. He took care of his family and those dear to him.

He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Laura Killebrew (Rob), his darling grandchildren Lillie Senkbeil (Olive Louise), Megan Baer (Jonathan), and Daniel Killebrew, (USN), his great grandson, Mac Baer, his nephews Jeremy Schnell and Gabe Schnell, a niece Jenny Schnell and dear friend Nina Brannen.

Per his request, there will be no service or funeral. We will have a celebration of life at a later date when the family has been able to process their grief and loss.

As Jeff would say “Take a deep breath and be sweet”.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in memory of Jeff to further COPD research to the American Lung Association, 6852 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL. 32216.