Henry E. Schnepf passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025.
Born in Webster, NY in 1934, Henry graduated from Webster High School in 1952, served 2 years in the US Army and earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He worked at Haloid/Xerox Corp. and retired at 50 to start a stump grinding business which he continued well into his late 70s. In 1977, Henry and his wife, Barbara, purchased Blackberry Hill Campground on Keuka Lake in Branchport, NY. They also moved to Henry’s childhood home near Irondequoit Bay and worked tirelessly to remodel and update the house and grounds where they lived until his death. The campground and family homestead have provided years of joy and comfort for family and friends alike and endure as a lasting testament to his exceptional life, dedication to family, work ethic and great respect for the natural world. Henry’s lifelong commitments to love, justice and peace and his steadfast belief in the good and worth of all humanity set our course as we grieve his loss. We extend our gratitude and love to his beloved grandson and caregiver, Ben.
Henry was predeceased by his parents Edward and Katherine Schnepf, infant brother, Eddie, sister Mary Bryant and faithful companion, Tiger. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 69 years, Barbara Neva Schnepf and sister, Frieda Hall; children Julie (John Bernunzio); Steven (Lin) and Edward (Tammy). Grandchildren include Benjamin LaPlante; Kara Miller (Mike); Jay Bernunzio (Taylor); Rose Bernunzio (Jose Barocio); Erika Campbell (Jamie); Kyle Schnepf (Chelsea); Casey Schnepf; Emily Beck-Anderson (Sam) & Grace Bernunzio. Great grandchildren Skyler, Elliot, Nora, Henry, Rocco, Scarlett, Olive, Talia, Cole, Morgan, Silas, Kaia, Merrick and Henry.
A memorial service and celebration of Henry’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 2 pm at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S Winton Rd., Rochester 14610. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to Verona Street Animal Shelter or FoodlinkNY.
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Our Dad taught us how to be better human beings. He was always there for everyone and never let the stresses of every day life keep him from enjoying the simple, important things. He lived for a trip to Baker Street for a fresh pastry, a Manhattan at Happy Hour with his dog Tiger, feeding his flock of birds and a multitude of other animals he befriended at the farm, helping us with one of our projects, telling a complete stranger about his grandkids, sitting on the porch overlooking Keuka Lake, and most importantly spending time with our mom, the love of his life.
He is leaving a large void in our lives, but we are consoled with years of great memories. We love you, Dad ❤️
How many of us could say we lived our lives without any regrets? There is no doubt that Henry would have been able to. Unpretentiously living his life with honor, integrity, and belief in the goodness of people. Leading by example how to treat people with respect. His quiet strength guided and supported us and his willingness to help others had no limit. Henry made everyone feel as though they really mattered to him. He always remembered something special about anyone he met and would ask about those things with engaging conversation.
Henry and his beloved Barbara raised 3 incredible children and instilled the highest values of love, family, hard work, and compassion in them all. I am profoundly grateful to be married to one of them and be part of this family.
Thank you for making sure I always had a bouquet of your beautiful Spring daffodils every year. I will gather my own from your hillside next Spring but you will be right there with me as I do.
I love you Dad.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Henry’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
Our deepest condolences to all the Schnepf family. We thought the world of Henry and are so grateful to have known him since we bought our spot at BlackBerry Hill. We have so many wonderful memories of this kind man and we loved chatting with him and Barb. We will miss him.
Trying to find the words to fully convey our feelings for our Dad has turned out to be one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. Our Dad meant so much to all of us that attempting to encompass all that he was is nearly impossible.
He was a strong, independent man but sensitive with a gentle soul.
He was a complex thinker, an engineer by profession but preferred the simple pleasures in life.
His most enduring values always came down to his love for family, particularly our Mom, compassion for others, and his desire to live a humble life surrounded by the natural world.
He will be missed more than anyone can imagine and we will strive to honor him everyday by following his shining example.
You will forever be in our hearts, we love you Dad.