Obituary of Robert W. Schnizler

Robert Weynand Schnizler age 64, of Lakewood, New York died on November 24, 2020 at his residence. Born November 7, 1956 in New Rochelle, New York, the son of Charles John Schnizler and Isabel Riso Schnizler, Robert grew to adulthood in Jamestown, New York. He was a 1974 graduate of Jamestown High School. He was awarded a B.A. from Mercer University, Macon Georgia. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, and he worked for a radio station in Macon Georgia where he met many famous figures. He traveled during his college years visiting England and the island of Guam where his step-father was serving as a captain in the U.S. Navy. Robert earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Buffalo College of Law and was admitted to practice in New York State in 1988. He was a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney and was actively handling cases in Chautauqua County Family Court, Surrogate's Court and New York State Supreme Court at the time of his death. In 2014 he was awarded the Hon. Michael Dillon Attorney for the Children award for the Eighth Judicial District for outstanding legal advocacy for children. Former Chair of the Town of Busti Democratic Committee, past president Jamestown Bar Association, past president Chautauqua Humane Society Board of Directors, Member of Zion Covenant Church, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He served on the Chautauqua County Humane Society Board of Directors for eight years and considered his greatest achievement to be his leadership during construction of the Strunk Road Pet Adoption Center. He was committed to the rights of abused animals throughout his life, with a particular focus on the treatment of cats. He was a generous man who often provided assistance to persons or animals in need. He was a quiet but keen observer of politics and the human condition and those who knew him well enjoyed his sharp wit. He admired the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and travelled to several historic Wright structures in New York and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his mother Isabel Wright of Jamestown, New York, sister Carolyn Schnizler Wilt (Dale Wilt) of Reading, Pennsylvania, niece Erin Wilt of Boston, Massachusetts; nephew Mitchell Wilt of Charlotte, North Carolina; and step-siblings Carol Wright Dearing; Bill Wright; Joann Wright Scherrer, John Wright and Paul Wright. Robert was particularly proud of his niece and nephew and enjoyed watching them grow to become accomplished adults. He was predeceased by his father Charles John Schnizler in 1969, and step-father Dr. Robert Beckwith Wright in 2003. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Robert's close friends who were an important part of his life, including Anthony "Jerry" Conti, Kenneth M. Lasker, Julie Burdick Hewitt, Jess Nordland, Busty and April Pintagro, Pamela K. Anderson and the bench and bar of Chautauqua County. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2021 and will be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701.