Obituary of Dennis Schanbacher

Dennis C. Schanbacher, 71, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 16, 2015. Born in Elmira, NY he was the son of the late Norman "Otis" and Florence Schanbacher. Dennis was a 1963 graduate of Southside High School in Elmira and was an undefeated wrestling all four years of high school. He enjoyed many hobbies including visiting Maine and the beach, hunting and fishing with his sons, taking car rides, sightseeing and boating. Dennis also loved to test his lucky by going to casinos to play blackjack and slot machines or by stopping to pick up a few scratch-offs. Dennis was an avid businessman who owned Schanbacher Construction, Inc. in Jamesville, NY from 1966-1978; ranked as the general superintendant for the Pike Company, Inc. in Rochester, NY; owned Capital City Coin and Jewelry in Albany and the State Street Coin and Jewelry in Schenectady. During his free time, he loved to coach Little League, where you could often hear him from the sidelines saying his motto "If you can't be first, might as well be last". In 2001, Dennis married his loving wife Deborah. The couple resided in Selkirk until they moved to Glenville in this past November. Survivors include his beloved wife Deborah Schanbacher; sons Todd M. (Terri) Schanbacher and Aaron C. (Tami) Schanbacher; daughter Renee (Frank) Gurnsey, stepchildren, Frank (Nilka) Benn and Jami (Sean) Ferguson. Dennis is also survived by his grandchildren Cole and Erika Schanbacher as well as Nathan Ferguson. Dennis leaves behind his sister Virginia K. (Joel) Klee, along with many nieces and nephews, close friends and neighbors, especially Barbara Marker and the Davis Family. The family would like to thank St. Peter's Hospital, Hospice of Schenectady and Memorial Hospital Hyperbarics, Charlene, Matt and Dr. Sloat for all the care given to Dennis as well as Jason Myers for helping him through his recent struggles. The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday March 26, 2015 from 12pm to 2pm at the Glenville Funeral Home 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. A celebration of life will follow at 2pm at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent in memory of Dennis to Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308 or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com