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In memory of

Martin James Schnars

Jamestown, NY, USA

December 4, 1956 - April 6, 2018

Dec 4, 1956 - Apr 6, 2018

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Martin James Schnars, 61, of Jamestown, NY is survived by his two loving children, Seth Martin Schnars and Hanna Elise Schnars of Fort Myers, FL. He is also survived by the mother of his children and former partner, Sabra Elise Fussell O’Kelly, also of Fort Myers. Martin is also survived by his brother, Mark Schnars, of Charlotte, NC as well as other extended family members.

Martin graduated from Southwestern Central High School in 1975. He received many accolades and was recognized for his academic, athletic, and leadership achievements. Marty continued his post secondary education at Jamestown Community College, transferring to SUNY at Fredonia where he was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Martin “Marty” Schnars served as a law enforcement officer in the City of Fort Myers, Florida in the late 80s. He was recognized for exceptional scores while training in the police academy, most notable being his excellent marksmanship. When not valiantly protecting and serving the citizens of Fort Myers, he enjoyed spending time at the beach. His favorite places included Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel-Captiva, but he always reserved an unparalleled affinity for the island of Key West. He loved the Mallory Square sunsets where the local characters entertained and amused; his favorites being the contortionist and “The Cookie Lady.” He marveled at the legendary six-toed cats at The Hemingway House and enjoyed the leisurely afternoons under the open-air and iconic landmark of Key West, Sloppy Joes. Perhaps his favorite place there was Captain Tony’s Saloon, a “hole in the wall” as he called it, the inside covered with business cards and dollar bills from people from all over the world. He also was an experienced scuba diver and enjoyed snorkeling the John Pennekamp Coral Reef of Key Largo.

Marty loved nature and wildlife and enjoyed spending time camping. He was very adept at surviving in the wilderness, possessing a keen ability to build fires, traverse treacherous landscapes, and find his way without a map or compass. Marty loved relaxing by a nighttime fire, talking about Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” and the universe, evolution and religiosity, human mortality and immortality, animal liberation, philosophy, psychology, etc. Marty was extremely intelligent, once revealing that he possessed a high IQ and while that number was unknown to most, it was said that he was Mensa.

Marty spent time in both Florida and New York, but began calling New York home again in 1989 when he started a family of his own. He was a doting father to his son, Seth, and daughter, Hanna, even becoming a stay-at-home father. He spent time taking his children to parks and playgrounds and enjoyed the seasonal ambience of New York State. Marty built snow forts with his kids in winter, went for springtime strolls in anticipation of warmer weather, cranked up the boat motor for leisurely rides on Chautauqua Lake in summer, and, in his most favorite season, fall, he’d guide his family through the beautiful and scenic Allegany State Park, spying deer, foxes, and raccoons along the way.

Marty was a very social and unique person, possessing quick wit, charm, and a grand sense of humor. He loved running and working out, swimming and saunas, and revered all life, even becoming a vegetarian because he could no longer justify eating animals of any kind.

Marty’s proudest achievement was his role of father. His children made him beam with life, pride, and joy. Seth and Hanna will continue his legacy of love and reverence for all life. The dude abides❤️

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