Bruce G. Schoonmaker

Bruce G. Schoonmaker, 73 of Accord, NY, died on June 19, 2011 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY after a long battle with heart disease. Born January 6, 1938 in Kingston, he was the son of the late Anna H. and Grant A. Schoonmaker. Bruce was a life resident of Accord except for his early childhood when he lived at Yama Farms Resort in Napanoch, NY.

He was employed as a Senior Education Specialist at IBM where he worked for 38 years. He retired from IBM in 1992 to accept the position of Security Supervisor at the  Kingston Hospital and was later promoted to Security Dept. Director. He retired from the Hospital in 2009.

Mr. Schoonmaker was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club. He served as an Ulster County Deputy Sheriff for several years and was a longtime Constable and Court Officer for the Rochester Justice Court. He was a life member of the Accord Fire Company serving 56 years.

Mr. Schoonmaker was currently completing his 40th year as a trustee for the Pine Bush Cemetery Association. He was a former Town of Rochester Assessor and a long time member of the Assessment Board of Review. Mr. Schoonmaker loved the outdoors and all animals, especially dogs. He spent many happy years with his various K9 Companions. He was an avid reader and movie buff who especially enjoyed films from the silent screen era. He also enjoyed weekly dining with friends and vacationing in Las Vegas, Lake George and the Jersey Shore. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons.

Survivors include his wife of 46 1/2 years Beverly Christiana Schoonmaker, a daughter Christine J. Barnes and her husband Jeffrey of West Hurley, NY, a son Steven B. Schoonmaker and his wife Thuy and grandchildren Nicholas, Aidan and Jace of Kingston, NY.

Visiting will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd from 6-9 PM at H .B. Humiston Funeral Home, 30 42nd St. Kerhonkson. A Celebration of his life is scheduled for Thursday at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pine Bush Cemetery, Kerhonkson.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bruce’s name to the Spectrum Service Foundation, 70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston, NY 12401and/or the National Humane Society, 4039 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL 33618.