Terry T. Schanz

Terry T. Schanz, beloved, respected and revered husband, son, father, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, co-worker, neighbor, friend and follower of Jesus Christ, peacefully slipped into the arms of his best friend and Savior on Friday, February 19, 2010 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Terry joins a chorus of angels, free of the cares of this world, after a brief 9 week courageous journey with brain cancer. Terry faced his health challenge as he faced each day, with deep and abiding faith in God, a positive attitude, courage, perseverance and above all a focus on others, based on his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

There are no words to capture how much Terry will be missed by his wife, Laura Powers Schanz. Their marriage was based on shared faith, mutual devotion and a deep and abiding love. Terry and Laura were married on February 27, 1993 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and were anticipating the joy of celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary together in a few days.

As a father, Terry was a dedicated example of love, guidance, patience, integrity and character to his daughters, Tara L., and Kristin L. Schanz, son, Drew M. Schanz and step-son, Ian R. Tangert, all of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Terry is now holding the hand of his precious son Kyle T. Schanz who went to heaven 3 weeks after his birth in 1987.

Born June 26, 1959 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late George C. Schanz and is survived by his loving mother, Grace A. Schanz, Lancaster and her friend, Thelma M. Tucker. Also surviving is Terry’s step-mother Doris Schanz and siblings George G., Kerry K. and half sister Dawn Hoover, all of Lancaster County and their respective spouses and children. Also surviving is his beloved step-grandmother, E. Marie “Nan” Kratzert and Ruth Herr Powers, step-mother-in-law. He was preceded in death by his son Kyle, father-in-law, Ret. Lt. Colonel, Marvin Powers and nephew, Joshua Charles Powers who was killed in Iraq, January, 2009.

More than 50 brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews will sorely miss the man they came to know and love since Laura’s introduction to Terry in September 1991. A legion of loyal and devoted friends will remember his many sacrificial acts of love and kindness borne out of his deep concern for everyone he encountered in his daily walk.

At the time of his home-going, he was employed as the Director of Safety for Facchina Construction Company of LaPlata, Maryland working out of their Baltimore office, a company he thoroughly loved and appreciated. His 26 years of experience in safety and human resources were also spent with Gray & Son, Inc. of Maryland and Frey Lutz Corporation of Lancaster. He was a 1977 graduate of Manheim Township High School and earned an Associate Degree from York College of Pennsylvania in 1988. In 2009 he was awarded a Construction Safety & Health Specialist designation from Red Rocks Community College in Denver, Colorado.

Terry was known for his love of others, whether watching his children play sports, or relishing a game of golf and good conversation with his cherished friends, he was ready and willing to help anyone, anytime, anywhere. Terry never missed an opportunity to jump start a car, shovel snow, fix someone’s plumbing or lend a listening ear. Terry’s willingness to help was most significantly felt in his role of providing unequivocal support to Laura Schanz Consulting Associates’ co-workers, clients, business partners and community leaders.

His many community activities and volunteerism included the Mix at Arbor Place, and partnership at LCBC Church in Manheim, where he was baptized in 2004 and served as a Life Group Co-Leader and Guest Services Volunteer. His love of photography was appreciated by friends and family who looked forward each year to receiving their annual Christmas card featuring Terry’s favorite photo of the year.

Terry was a member of the Washington Metro Area Safety Council, the Chesapeake Region Safety Council, the Baltimore-Washington Metro Chapter Associated Builders and Contractor’s, the Hamilton Club of Lancaster and the Hershey Country Club. Terry was especially proud of his 13 gallon plus blood donor status, a reflection of his desire to help others.

Viewing and visiting with family and friends in honor and celebration of Terry’s life will take place on Saturday, February 27th from 9:00 a.m. until Noon, and Sunday, February 28th from 2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. at LCBC, 2392 Manheim/Mount Joy Road, Manheim PA.

A Life Celebration of Terry’s legacy will be held Sunday, February 28th from 3:30 p.m.until 5:00 p.m. at LCBC, with the Rev. Dr. David Ashcraft officiating. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception immediately following the service at the church.

A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Conestoga Memorial Gardens, New Danville Pike, Lancaster, PA. The family is being assisted by the excellent staff at Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Terry to any one of the following organizations: The Mix at Arbor Place, 520 North Street, Lancaster, PA, 17602; Hospice of Lancaster County, 690 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA, 17601; BCM International, (in support of Charles & Cathy Powers, ministering in France), P.O. Box 249, Akron, PA, 17501; SHARE of Lancaster, 1576 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601; American Home Life International Building Fund, 1725 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601; or the LCBC Building Fund, LCBC Church, 2392 Manheim/Mount Joy Road, Manheim, PA, 17545.