Richard "Bush" H. Schneider, 92, formerly of Colonia, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025.

Born on July 15, 1932, in Newark NJ, Richard lived a long life surrounded by the people and places he loved. He earned the nickname "Lil Bush" growing up, alongside his brother "Big Bush" and their mom "Ma Bush" thanks to their famously bushy hair. Over time, he simply became "Bush" to many.

After graduating high school, Richard proudly joined the United States Army and served honorably in the Korean War.

Following his service, he began his career as a draftsman at Western Electric (later AT&T), where he met the love of his life, Margaret "Marge" Schneider. While taking part in their company's bowling league, Marge won his heart...and most of their competitions. It was love at first strike.

Together, they enjoyed many years of traveling to their favorite locations including Aruba, Cancun and numerous cruise ship ports.  Richard also cherished their yearly family trips to Long Beach Island and Wildwood, which brought everyone together under one roof. Richard and Marge built a beautiful life together until her passing in 2020.

Richard loved long walks at Rahway River Park with Marge. He was also a familiar and friendly face at the Haskell Horse Races at Monmouth Park, as evidence of his collection of race day hats.

An avid gardener, Richard loved tending to his many tomato plants, some of which Marge used for her delicious tomato and onion vinegar salad. Some of his other loves were crabbing, basking in the sun on his back patio, and listening to his favorite country music.

A lifelong member of the Colonia VFW, Richard served as Commander twice and also as a Friday night bartender for many years.

A devoted Yankees and Giants fan, his booming call of "YANKEES! BASEBALL!" into the television remote became a regular sound in the evenings at home.

Richard is survived by his children Debbie Ohlinger and her husband Kerry of Point Pleasant Beach and Rich Schneider and his wife Lorraine of Spotswood. He is a proud and loving grandfather to Kellyann, Derek, Jarrett ("JT"), and Kristen who lovingly called him "Pop Pop" and "Grandpa."

In his final days, Richard mentioned that "life is just one big decision." But with the sun on his face and some fruit in hand, he'd tell you he'd just made the best one.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen. Funeral Services will begin the following morning Friday, June 13, 2025, at the funeral home at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's name may be made out to Veterans of Foreign Wars. ( https://www.vfw.org/yoursupportmatters )