Robert Lee Schonefeld

Robert L. Schonefeld, 95, Orlando, FL, died Sept. 7, 2026. Born June 7, 1931. Bob was one of 12 children born to Joe and Rosie Schonefeld of Riviera, Texas.

Bob graduated from Riviera High School, and along with his siblings, he farmed their land until joining the Air Force in 1954. He proudly served his country for 20 yrs. as a Chaplain Assistant. He met his future wife, Carol Youmans, while assigned to Lockbourne Air Force Base, Columbus, Ohio, at a USO Dance on the base. They were married in 1958. The following year Bob got orders for Seville, Spain. After three great years and two wonderful children, they flew home and had future assignments in Arkansas and Texas before spending four glorious years in Hawaii. Bob’s final assignment to Oscoda, Michigan convinced him to retire in Orlando, Florida, where the family has lived over 52 years.

For 22 years after retirement, Bob delivered the Orlando Sentinel Paper, rising at 3:00am daily. On Sundays he delivered over 1,000 papers. That shows Bob’s level of commitment to provide for his family. You could always count on Bob.

A member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church for all those years, Bob offered his time, talent and treasure in many ministries. He loved being part of the Patio Chefs, working on our Parish Festival, and also did the Daily Bread Ministry and Bingo..

It was a great joy to sponsor a number of Vietnamese families when Vietnam fell to the communists in 1975. What a wonderful experience to see them love our country and make us proud of the lives they have made here. The children who came with their parents are now grandparents, themselves. After 50 years, we’re still dear friends.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 2112, for 52 years, and held various positions. After retiring from his Newspaper Delivery job, he filled the time by volunteering with the Knights. For 10 years he arose before dawn to deliver bread and pastries from Publix to Beta House (a home for unwed Mothers). Always a quiet man who never drew attention to himself, Bob was shocked to win the Knights of Columbus Family of the Year Award for all of Florida for 2006-2007.

So many beautiful memories will be cherished by Carol and their children, Teresa Aplin (Johnny) and Lawrence (Larry) Schonefeld - their four grandchildren: Jessica and Meagan Schonefeld; Daniel Aplin and Jennifer Aplin Chambers (Evan), plus Great Granddaughter, Freya Chambers. Bob and Carol were blessed to celebrate 68 years of marriage this past May 31.

Bob will be remembered by all as an honest and devoted family man and a good and faithful Catholic.

Visitation is Friday, September 18, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (East Orlando Chapel) 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822.

Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church), 5900 Oleander Drive, Orlando, FL 32807.

Following burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 Harrell Road, Orlando 32817, there will be a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 5727 Cornelia Ave., Orlando, FL 32807 (behind Catholic Charities Buildings on Semoran Blvd.).

Instead of flowers, please consider donations to Good Shepherd Building Fund in Bob’s name, towards the construction of the new Parish Office Building.

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