Stanley H. Schoonmaker
Stanley H. Schoonmaker
âStan The Drummer Manâ
Stanley H. Schoonmaker, 81, of Newtown, died peacefully at home, January 11. Born January 4, 1930, in Danbury, to Angelina Vanhooser Bell and Henry Schoonmaker, he is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Connie Schoonmaker.
His sons Gary Zenobia, and wife Mary, of Monroe, and Wayne Schoonmaker, and wife Lynn, of Danbury; his daughter Gail Miller, and husband Bob, of Sparta, Tenn.; stepsons Alan Moore, and wife Nancy, of Newtown, and Andy Moore, and wife Cathy, of Danbury; stepdaughter Linda Moore of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and daughter-in-law Dale Cigna Nolan of Waterbury also survive Mr Schoonmaker. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. His second wife, Dolores Hawes Schoonmaker; a son, Lee K. Cigna; and a great-granddaughter predeceased Mr Schoonmaker.
He was employed by Heli-Coil Corporation, retiring after 45 years as head of the engineering lab.
He was a friend of Bill Wilson for more than 20 years. A great lover of trains and trolleys, he graciously volunteered his time at the Danbury Railway Museum. Mr Schoonmaker enjoyed football and was an avid Giants fan.
His greatest passion came through his love of music. âStan The Drummer Manâ was a member of the Kenny Lee Band for more than 50 years and always enjoyed playing his drums and singing at public functions, weddings, and special celebrations.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Danbury and Newtown Congregational Church, and a member and Past Master of Masonic Temple #40 in Danbury.
A Memorial Service and a Masonic Service took place January 18, in Honan Funeral Home, Main Street, Newtown.
Donations may be made to Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470, or Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, 70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel CT 06801.
The Newtown Bee       January 21, 2011