Donald Schneider
PALMETTO - DonPenny Schneider, 91, passed away on May 6, 2024, in Palmetto, Florida. DonPenny Schneider was born on April 6, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Max and Rose (Steve) Schneider. A graduate of Dwight Preparatory School in Manhattan, New York City, Mr. Schneider enrolled at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to study dramatic arts. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Corporal in the United States Army in combat in the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Following his military service, Don studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England, then returned to New York where he worked in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian, Broadway and television actor and writer. He joined the national touring company of Damn Yankees, performing the role of the Devil alongside Gwen Verdon and Gretchen Wyler. He moved with the Steve Allen Show to Hollywood in 1958 as a writer and performer and spent the next decade performing in numerous television series including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, The Lieutenant, Wackiest Ship in the Army, Bewitched, 12 O’clock High, Hennesey accumulating more than 2,800 hours of television acting. Don acted under the name of Don Penny. He later returned to New York City where he represented commercial directors including Bert Stern, Lou Poupolo and Ridley Scott and worked with major advertising agencies in the production of numerous television commercials.
While working with actor/producer Jackie Cooper (an officer in the United State Naval Reserve), Don joined the United States Naval Reserve and through this service spent time in Washington, D. C., helping to establish the White House Communications Agency during the Presidency of Lyndon Johnson. He attained the rank of Admiral, having been “frocked” by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.
During the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford, Don provided writing, humor and presentation coaching services to President Ford and became Director of Communications in 1976. During his service with President Ford, he was asked to provide writing services for Queen Elizabeth II and General Jimmy Doolittle, with whom he maintained a long friendship. He remained in Washington, D.C. and founded Communications Counsel, and for more than twenty-five years provided counsel and services to more than 100 Members of Congress including Senators Howard Baker, Bill Bradley, Robert Dole and John McCain and four Presidents, including Ronald Reagan with whom he had worked when Reagan was Governor of California, as well as leaders of nationally recognized corporations.
In 2009, Don married Susan Insley who survives him and their devoted dog, Winston. They moved to Palmetto, Florida, in 2010. Don is survived by his daughter, Lisa Penny of Marina Del Rey, CA and grandson, Cameron Wiley of Portland, OR; his sister, and brother-in-law, Linda and Ed Janon of La Jolla, CA, and nieces and grandnephews. Don brought joy and happiness to all who knew him.
No Services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name be made to a charity of your choice. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.