Russ Schneider passes away

Legendary former PD sportswriter Russ Schneider, 89, passed away today.

Russ covered the Indians from 1964 through 1978.

And, for six years after the daily baseball grind became too difficult for him, the Browns.

Russ Schneider

As Bill Livington reported, when Schneider was named Browns beat reporter, Browns owner Art Modell spouted, "Welcome to the family."

Russ’ retort: "I'm here to cover the team, not to be part of your family."

After retirement, Russ remained a regular at the Indians’ Winter Haven spring training headquarters. Old habits die hard.

Russ was competitive. “The baseball writer for the (Cleveland) Press and I did not speak for 13½ years,” he once said, probably as a point of pride.

Russ was a former Marine and a former catcher in the Indians farm system. He kept both combative attitudes for the rest of his life.

He saw his first Indians game at old League Park in 1936. His mom took him. His love for the Tribe stayed with him.

Even after he left the PD, Russ wrote a sports column for the Sun newspapers for 10 more years. Just couldn’t stay away.

Schneider’s 14 sports books include a 630-page encyclopedia of the Tribe’s top players, published in 2013. Russ’ mind was an encyclopedia of Cleveland baseball.

After retirement, he had a second home at the Indians' old Winter Haven spring training headquarters. Just couldn't stay away.

Russ did have a soft spot: Catherine “Kay” Kilbane Schneider, his wife for 67 years. Other than that, it was rough going around Russ.

His obituary got it right: “A legend has passed.”

Russ’ obituary:

RUSSELL J. SCHNEIDER, SR., age 89.  A legend has passed.  

Beloved husband of 67 years to Catherine "Kay" (nee Kilbane); loving father of Eileen Raich (Eric), Russell Jr. "Rusty" (Susan) and Bryan (Tricia); dear grandfather of Jen Whisler (Rob), Leah, Ryan (deceased), Lynn Nissen (Eric), Sarah Wenzil (Aaron) and Meaghan; great-grandfather of Avery, Amelia, Jack, William and Elias; brother of the late Betty Botchick, Dorothy Stewart, Hazel Mould and Robert; uncle and great-uncle of many. 

Passed away October 24, 2017.  Proud U.S.M.C. Veteran - Korea.  Longtime sportswriter and columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and was a Cleveland Indians historian.  Memorial Service Saturday, October 28, North Royalton Christian Church (5100 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH  44133) at 3:00 P.M.  

Burial private Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD., FRIDAY 2-4 & 6-9 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Russ to your favorite charity.