Albert G. Schoener

Albert G. Schoener, 94, a lifetime resident of Roslindale passed away on August 12, 2017. Born in Boston, he was the son of Gustav and Charlotte (Oberlander) Schoener.

He attended grade school in Roslindale, and then technical school in Boston.

Upon Graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, where he attended flight school. He became a Hellcat fighter pilot in the  ‘Fighting Ron 21’ squadron, and was assigned to tours of duty on several different aircraft carriers during WWII. His last tour of duty was patrolling the island of Saipan in the Pacific theater. Because of his love for flying, he later volunteered to be a test pilot for the Navy. He was one of two pilots selected to demonstrate taking off and landing on the aircraft carrier USS Independence for visiting politicians and Navy brass on the Columbia River as part of operation Magic Carpet. He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1945 as a Lieutenant JG.

He married Joyce Challis of New Zealand in 1947, and together raised three children – Al, Pam and Denise. He supported his family by working as a finish-carpenter for a residential construction company.

Early in his marriage, Al’s hobbies included riding his Indian motorcycle and occasionally filling-in on the drums in a good friend’s band. Once he had children, he turned his attention totally to providing for them. He was an avid sports fan, who particularly enjoyed watching local Boston teams, such as the Red Sox and Patriots, as well as PGA golf.

He will be remembered most for his quick wit, deep humility and love of family.

Al is survived by his children, Albert W. Schoener and his wife Marilyn of Natrona Heights, PA, Pamela (Ferguson) Schoener of Hanover and Denise Schoener of Hanson along with his 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Schoener and Marsha Martin.

Services and interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers donations in Al’s memory may be made to Brockton VAMC, (payable to Boston Healthcare) Unit 42C, Hospice Unit, 940 Belmont St., Brockton, MA  02301.