Schenkel, William D. Maryland / Pittsford, NY 1951–2026
William D. “Bill” Schenkel passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75.
Born in 1951, Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Pat Schenkel; his brother, Fred Schenkel; and his sister, Mary Jo Anderson. He is survived by his brothers Jim (Mary Jane) Schenkel and David (Paula) Schenkel, his sister Debby (John) Adams, sister in-law Debbie Schenkel, brother in-law Todd Anderson, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held in Maryland and a date to be determined.
Bill was, above all else, a helpful, genuine, and steadfast friend to countless people in the Damascus, Maryland community. For 30 years he made his home in the caring Ridgeview Condo Community, where he was known as an all-around nice guy who quietly made life better for everyone around him. He planted trees along the road near his condominium, tended roses and flowers around his building, and decorated the front entrance windows for every season—his hand-cut winter snowflakes becoming a cherished tradition. Bill attended every HOA meeting and took pride in contributing to the place he called home.
A devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Damascus, Bill served faithfully as a sacristan and lector. He gave generously to parish canned food drives for Damascus Help and was the driving force behind the parish’s Coffee and Donuts gatherings after Sunday Mass, purchasing tables, coffee makers, and supplies to make the event possible. Bill sang in the choir for many years, sharing his beautiful voice with the parish he loved. He very generously donated to the construction of the new Parish Center. With kindness and caring, Bill helped several families take care of their husbands and fathers during their end-of-life decline, and Bill made an earnest effort to attend the funerals of the many parish members he knew who passed away.
Bill joined the Knights of Columbus in 1981 and later transferred to become a very active member of the St. Paul Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #11108 where he was the Financial Secretary for many years. He faithfully attended all the meetings and events. He oversaw soliciting donations to support the council’s annual gift to a young seminarian. Bill represented the Knights of Columbus and presented a wreath on their behalf each year at the American Legion to honor deceased veterans. Bill also collected donations and bought candy for the Knights to distribute during the annual Damascus Community Parade. He drove the “candy car” in the parade while his fellow Knights walked behind the car and handed out candy along the parade route.
He was the first long-term caretaker of the prayer garden in front of St. Paul Catholic Church, enhancing it with great care. Each summer, he provided and watered flowers outside the Norris Chapel. Bill was a regular at the St. Paul Men’s Club Pancake Breakfasts and a daily presence at the Damascus Senior Center, where he enjoyed socializing and assembling puzzles from the extensive collection he proudly built for the center. He also founded and led the St. Paul Birthday Club, bringing seniors together each month to celebrate life’s milestones.
Above all, Bill was deeply proud of his family. He had an extraordinary memory for details and family history, and he loved sharing stories of his large extended family. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering kindness touched countless lives, and he will be sorely missed.
