General Information

Full Name: Allen Harold Schneiderman
Date of Death: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Allen Harold Schneiderman, of Ridgewood, passed away on Saturday October 21, 2023, at the age of 87. Devoted husband of Phyllis Schneiderman, loving father of Jan Rybeck (Charles), Ron Schneiderman (Sharon), and Donna Schneiderman Drach (Mitch), beloved grandfather of Naomi, Gabriel, Shoshana, Abigail, Samantha, Noam, and Mira, adored great grandfather of Lev, and dear brother of Della and Neil Schneiderman.

Allen was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that he met his wife, Phyllis, who made the huge leap from University of Michigan to Ohio State to join her beau. Allen earned his DDS from Ohio State and the couple moved first to Bangor, Maine where Allen served as a captain in the Air Force, then to Cleveland where Allen helped build a community health center in the Hough-Norwood neighborhood and became the Dental Director. Pursuing his passion for public health led the family to New Jersey so Allen could earn his MPH at Columbia University.

As he described, his desire to go “beyond the several feet surrounding the dental chair” led him to a 30-year career teaching at what is now the New Jersey University of Dentistry. A much-loved teacher, he connected easily and meaningfully with his students and his impact was reflected in glowing student feedback and the many long-term relationships he forged with those he mentored.

After retiring from his long teaching career, Allen shifted to pursuing his creative side with the same energy and focus he dedicated to dentistry. His nearly 25 years of sculpting grew from a hobby to a true art practice. Recognized by many awards throughout the state, his stone sculptures bring together his skill with stone and tools, unique artistic vision, and appreciation for nature and beauty. Explore highlights on his website gallery here.

Allen was also an avid handball player and enjoyed biking and sailing and kayaking. And through all of this, he kept up and nurtured many treasured friendships. He is remembered fondly by all who knew him for a rich sense of humor and an infinite archive of jokes. His warm, loving nature, generosity and naches was clear in his unique relationship with each of his grandchildren. We will remember him most for the way he went through life with intention and integrity and belief in the good in humanity.

The family asks that any memorial donations be made in Allen’s honor to the Art Center of Northern Jersey, or an organization that moves your heart as Allen has touched all of ours.