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Andrew M. 'Mike' Schindler Uncasville, CT Ledyard, CT Niantic, CT QCWA # 34171 Chapter 149 10-10 # 7531 |
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Niantic - Andrew Michael "Mike" Schindler of Niantic, who spent his career in New London passed away May 17, 2020. He was born Jan. 3, 1942, in Tallahassee, Fla. the son of Andrew Richard and Doris Marie Schindler, both of Hudson, NH.
He is survived by his wife Mary Beth of Southbury; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and husband Willis Brucker, Elizabeth and husband John Lavoie, and Jane Schindler. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law from his first marriage, Charlene Perry; and Mary Beth's daughters, Maggie Bohlman and Amy Roberts; and the grandchildren they shared, Max, Oscar and Lola Rose Roberts and Charlie Bohlman. He was the beloved uncle to Katherine, Trevor, and Willis M. Brucker, Amanda Quigley, Jeffrey Lavoie, and Rebecca Skowyra. He was predeceased by his daughter Meg Anne; and her mother, his first wife, Martha Dunn.
Mike grew up in an Air Force family and travelled throughout his childhood both nationally and internationally, including Germany and the Philippines. He graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1960 and Lowell Technological Institute in 1964 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
After graduation, Mike began his civilian Navy career in New London, at the Naval Underwater Sound Lab as a Junior Engineer in underwater acoustic programs for submarines.
As he matured in his career, he was recognized by the Navy as an expert in the performance, testing, and application of acoustic warfare systems, many of which are incorporated into today's submarine sonar systems. He was selected in the 1980s to provide direct consultation to the Submarine Development Squadron at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in Groton.
Mike received his ham radio license at age thirteen in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was recognized for 60 years as a ham operator by the Quarter Century Wireless Association and served as president of the Connecticut chapter of the QCWA, and twice as a board member.
The Northeast Coast drew Mike to sailing adventures in his 38-foot Ericson for many summers. He later would pilot his power boat to various stops on the Cape and his favorite island, Cuttyhunk, Mass. with golden retriever Molly in tow. He and Mary Beth spent many years sea kayaking and made numerous friends within the Tuesday Night Paddlers Club out of Noank with trips to Fishers Island, Old Lyme, Mystic and nearby environs.
Mike earned his private pilot's license after college and spent many years piloting his beloved single-engine Cardinal throughout New England. A highlight of his flying career was attending the EAA airshow in Oshkosh, Wis. with his wife Mary Beth. The year of their visit there were 12,000 small planes with attendees camping under the wings of their aircraft. A four-day airshow provided the entertainment with many warbirds and experimental small aircraft on display.
Mike spent his last two years at Aurora Rehabilitation Center in Derry, N.H., where he received compassionate care from the staff for which we are deeply grateful.
A memorial service, which he richly deserves, will be scheduled when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Notice will be given.
Published in The Day on June 23, 2020.
qrz.com
A. Michael Schindler first licensed as KN0DRC in 1956 while living in Colorado Springs, CO. Received general license K1TSL in 1960 while living in Billerica, MA. Moved to New London, CT in 1964 after graduating college at Lowell Technological Institute, Lowell, MA accepting an engineering position with the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory. Advanced to receive the Advanced and Extra class licenses with the call K1TS which was eventually changed to K1AMS.
Presently retired from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in 1996 and Haley Controls in 1998. Now operating all bands HF, 6 meters and 2 meters and 440using an Icom-7000 and Hustler antennas in the car. Use an Elecraft K-line,Cobra Ultra Liteat home. Have aYaesu 2200with J-pole antenna for 2 meters at home. Enjoy SSB, FM, CW, RTTY and PSK31 and other digital modes. Active daily on Sound Lab Net on 3941 kHz, the Useta Net on 3950 kHz,and QCWA Net on 3923 kHz on Sundays.
Was very active in RC model airplanes and helicopters from 1954 to present competing in aerobatics in the late sixties and early seventies. Also enjoyed boating in both sail and power boats and kayaks. Was also active in flying with private pilot license obtained in 1965 and only recently stopped flying after selling share in a Cessna 177B Cardinal. Flying is now restricted to models and computer flight/combat simulators.
Member of ARRL and QCWA.
Was recently elected President of the QCWA Milton Chaffee Memorial Chapter 149 for Connecticut. (2015)