Hartland, VT - Jackson R. Schonberg, 85, died Sunday, November 17, 2024, at his home with his family by his side.

Jack was born July 13, 1939, in Westfield, NJ, a son of Jackson and Eleanor (Cooper) Schonberg. As a young man, Jack was a dedicated Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was proud to share this commitment with his son and two grandsons who became Eagle Scouts as well. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1957 and completed his undergraduate degree at Purdue University in West Layfette, IN. Jack then pursued his graduate degree from Columbia University in Manhattan, NY, where he completed his EdD in 1971. Jack went to work for the Morris County, NJ School District as a School Psychologist, later taking a position in Bloomfield, CT, in a similar capacity. He then took a position as Associate Professor, teaching graduate psychology courses at the University of Hartford. While teaching, he also served as a consultant, and then full-time employee at the Capitol Region Education Counsil (CREC). In 1987, he took a position at Cooperative Educational Services (CES) as Executive Director. He went from there to become Director of Special Education and Pupil Services for Wolcott Public Schools in Wolcott, CT. He continued to teach part time at the university of Hartford until his retirement in 1999. During these years, he served as a consultant for developing Middle Eastern programs, traveling to Egypt and Bahrain. Following his retirement to VT, he taught courses at St. Joseph's College in Rutland for several years. Throughout his career, he was unwaveringly devoted to supporting the mental health needs of children and young adults and enabling educators and administrators to do the same. Above all, Jack was committed to serving others and to personal integrity and honor.

Jack was married to Cynthia Keith in 1980 and in 1999 they retired to Northern New England where they built their dream house and dream barn. Jack filled the barn with tractors both antique and modern. He loved to spend his free time outdoors working the surrounding land. Being dedicated to his fellow man, Jack would contribute to his greater community in many ways. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross and would donate his expertise in psychology to humanitarian aid workers in intense emergency situations, including in New York City after 9/11 and in Newtown, CT in December 2012. During one of his deployments, he encountered the need for the inclusion of animals in emergency shelters. As a result, he helped implement VDART throughout Vermont. This organization would house animals during an emergency so their owners could seek housing in public shelters.

Jack's early devotion to Scouting led to a lifetime as a craftsman and outdoorsman. He was in his element in the field or in his shop, tinkering, building and fixing. Throughout his life, he looked forward to time near the forest and water, especially in the Adirondacks at his beloved family camp in Indian Lake, New York. Of his family's many cherished memories of him, perhaps the fondest are of the evenings sitting on a porch rocker, looking out on a lakefront sunset, a beloved dog at his knee. Alfie, Sidney, Joshua, and Barclay were just a few of the many who were by his side throughout his life.

Jack was a member of the First Congregational Church of Hartland, The New Hampshire Antique Tractor Club in North Haverhill, NH, and a former member of the Hartland Rod & Gun Club.

Jack is Survived by his beloved wife Cynthia Schonberg of Hartland; two daughters Dawn Schonberg of Vancouver, WA and Karen Schonberg of Montpelier, VT; a son Karl Schonberg (and wife Kathleen) of Lisbon, NY; and seven grandchildren, Kellen, Noah, Ellie, Harry, Josie, Jack, and Maddie.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY at the convenience of the family. Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Disaster Animal Response Team
PO Box 1423, White River Junction, VT 05001 or American Red Cross, PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839