Maurice Schnakenberg

Maurice Schnakenberg, Master Plumber, fisherman, and captain of the Madame Butterfly, born and raised New Yorker, and resident of Bayville, died peacefully on Thursday, November 17 as a result of Covid-19. He is survived by family and friends whom he loved dearly, and who love him, none so much as his wife and best friend, Lucille Schnakenberg.

Maurice, known to some as Mickey, was born in 1940 in Manhattan, to Lucette Marier and Henry Schnakenberg, and enjoyed his childhood summers among the waves of the Manasquan Inlet, with his sisters Michelle and Pam. His mother, a musician and opera singer, instilled in him a love of music that would be a joy and comfort to him throughout his life, including the proud day his choir sang at Carnegie Hall. Maurice joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958, serving four years before returning home and eventually working for his father as a plumber in New York City. He became a Master Plumber and went on to work in some of the city’s most iconic buildings, with some of its biggest developers, but took the most pride in the people he worked with. His highest compliment, paid in equal parts to apprentices and executives, was that someone was “a gentleman,” and the gentlemen (and gentlewomen) of Mac Felder Inc. were a second family to him.

While he loved being a “plumber with a pencil,” his greatest joys were boating and fishing, passions he pursued for his entire life and which introduced him and Lucille to an incredible community. Maurice was never happier than when manning the bridge of the Madame Butterfly, fishing from the Riverdance, tying up at Tices Shoal with friends, or planning an event with the Fish Hawks or the Forked River Tuna Club.

The only thing Maurice loved more than being on the ocean was being with his family, including his children Doug, Kim, David, and Josh; his daughters-in-law Paula, Jenn, and Megan; son-in-law Roy (predeceased); Kim’s partner Chris; his step-daughter Lorraine, who has lived with him and Lucille for the last two years, taking incredible care of them both; Lorraine’s husband, Norman; and his step-sons Bill and Steven. Maurice’s grandchildren—he was Pop-Pop to Madison (and her husband Danny), Samantha (and her husband Gordy), Justin, Andrew (and his wife, Brianna), Jessica (and her fiancé, Juan), Joe, Nina, Rose, Miles, and Everett—will remember his warmth and generosity, boat rides and pancakes, and a smile that could fill a room. His great-grandchildren Logan, Sophia, Everly, Guinevere, and Griffin will hear stories of a man who told stories until they were histories, and understood that great days lead to a great life.

Maurice’s last great days were spent at home with Lucille, the love of his life, and their dogs, Bruno and Rosie. Resistant at first to staying home amidst the pandemic, Maurice came to believe that the time he gained with the person he cherished most, whom he often referred to simply as “love,” was a gift. He cherished their time together. He was never so content.

A viewing and remembrances will be held at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., in Bayville, New Jersey on Monday, November 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 am (Color Guard presentation at 10:00 am), followed by a mass at St. Barnabas Church, 33 Woodland Rd., in Bayville, New Jersey at 11:00 am. All attendees will be required to wear masks. In light of COVID-19 concerns, there will not be a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.