Neil was born in Batavia, NY on July 5, 1930, the son of the late Henry Jr. and Isabelle Henderson Schildwaster. He graduated from Oakfield Alabama Central School in 1949.
Neil worked as a miner at the Oakfield Plant of U.S. Gypsum until he was drafted into the Army in 1951. After two years in the service, Neil returned to work at USG where he held many positions through the years. In 1979, he became the Mine Safety and Health Administration Compliance Supervisor, a position that was created for him and one he held until his retirement in 1990.
Neil served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1951-1953 in Germany, for which he received an Occupation Medal. He was in the 91st Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7.
Neil was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s site) before moving to Florida in December 2017. He enjoyed all things outdoors, including golf and gardening. Neil always enjoyed being busy with handyman and carpentry work, and built an addition to the family home himself. He loved spending time with family, coaching his sons in baseball, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.
Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rider Schildwaster, who passed away on Jan. 14, 2019; his son, David Schildwaster; his brother, Richard Schildwaster; and his sisters, Lois Catino and Marilyn Chirico.
Survivors include his son, Mark (Sandy) Schildwaster of Batavia, NY; daughter Dawn (Ted) Oglesby of DeBary, Fla.; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Schildwaster of Middletown, Conn.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at Riverwalk Church of Sanford, 801 W. 22nd St., Sanford, Fla. A Committal Service will be held in the fall at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia, where he will be entombed.
Please visit www.baldaufffuneralhome.com to offer condolences. Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY 14020, or to Vitas Hospice Care, 1105 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Fla. 32763.
