Frank L. Schreiner

FRANK L. SCHREINER of Bel Air, Maryland died January 29, 2003. He was 85.

Born June 23, 1917 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Rose C. and John E. Schreiner. He attended Altoona Catholic High School in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania; Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania; and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.

The youngest son of German immigrants, he believed in the virtues of hard work and considered himself privileged to have had the opportunity to work and learn a variety of jobs. At different times in his life he was a busboy, knitting mill worker, welder for the Pennsylvania Railroad, a trumpet player in a dance band, and a mechanic.

Mr. Schreiner served as a technician during WW II in the 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the Tunisian campaign. His overseas service began in London, England and ended with a knee injury when his tank ran over a mine. After his discharge, he worked as a tank mechanic at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. With his science/ math background he remained at Aberdeen and was part of the team working with the world’s first computer, ENIAC, at Ballistics Research Laboratories at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He continued his work computing and as mathematician/physical scientist and was Chief, Measurements Analysis Branch, CLBRL.

After his retirement from the Army as a mathematician with more than 30 years of service, Mr. Schreiner worked part time at Hardware Fair in Bel Air and also returned to school and obtained certificates for Paralegal Studies and Legal Research. He retained his desire to learn until his death.

He was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Hickory and served on the parish council and as an extraordinary minister. He also served on the committee which wrote the Harford County Charter.

He was happiest when he was busy and will be remembered for helping others. In addition to drawing blueprints for and building his home in Bel Air of 47 years, he was also a gifted electrician, carpenter, plumber, and mechanic. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his ability to do anything.

Mr. Schreiner is survived by his wife of 53 years, Violet Iula Tilley Schreiner, and daughter, Jayne S. Rhynard of Mantua, New Jersey.

Pallbearers were: Dennis Tilley, Rich Tilley, Steve Tilley, Paul Tilley, Ahmad Parvizian and Jim Rhynard.