Bruce (smith) Schonour

Bruce Alan Schonour, 68, of Shillington, died on April 11, 2018 at Reading Hospital due to complications resulting from a stroke.

Born in 1949 in Mohnton, PA,where he resided most of his life, Bruce was the youngest son of the late Woodrow N. and Carolyn Lutz Schonour.

Bruce graduated from Governor MIfflin High School in 1967 and went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was a collegiate swimmer, member of the band, and graduated with an undergraduate degree in music education in 1971. He later went on to receive a Master’s degree from Temple University.

Bruce was an educator at heart, spending over 30 years teaching music, directing the marching and concert band, and producing musicals in the Schuylkill Valley School District where he will be remembered for his humor and always trying to get the best from his students.  Bruce also spent many years passing on his talents by providing private instruction on the trombone.

An avid supporter of local arts and theater, he spent many years in leadership roles and participating in groups such as the Ringgold Band,the Pagoda Brass, and the Reading Civic Theater.  Outside of the arts, Bruce had a wide array of interests including scuba diving, working in his woodshop making renovations to his home, and was an active member of Mohnton-Cumru Lions Club.

He is survived by his two sons, Blake Mader-Schonour, husband of Kelly, of Alexandria, VA, and Adam Schonour, husband of Christine, of Charlotte, NC.  Additionally, Bruce is survived by his older brothers, Phillip and his wife Carol of Millersville, PA, and Douglas and his wife Alice of Sinking Spring, PA.

As a final gift, Bruce has requested his body be used for organ donation and the advancement of medical science.  A private memorial will be held at a later date, and the family requests that if you so wish, please remember Bruce by making contributions to your local school district’s music program.

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