John L. Schinnagel

NEW BRAINTREE: John L. Schinnagel, 98, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27th at home.

They say not all heroes wear capes. While the phrase may be overused, it remains profoundly true. Sometimes heroes come from Brooklyn, NY, use their GI Bill to earn a college degree, become devoted husbands, loving fathers and magical grandfathers. They are honest to a fault, judge others solely by the content of their character, possess an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and remain endlessly fascinated by the grandeur of the natural world.

Such was the life of John “Pappy” Schinnagel, whose journey carried him from Brooklyn, NY, to Manalapan, New Jersey to Anderson, South Carolina and finally New Braintree, Massachusetts. Along the way, he built a life defined by integrity, curiosity, kindness and unwavering devotion to family.

On August 27, 2026 John escaped the bonds of age and illness and entered the warm embrace of his beloved wife and true love, Ann “Mimi” Schinnagel.

He is survived by two adoring daughters, Dawn and Lisa, his admiring son, Steve, and their respective families, including eight grandchildren; Maura, Richard, Deven, Tara, Ethan, Ryan, Emma and Brad. Two great granddaughters; Autumn and Izabelle.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to: New Braintree Fire Department, 110 W. Brookfield Rd. B, New Braintree, 01531 or Care Central VNA and Hospice, Inc., 534 School St., Webster, 01570, would be warmly appreciated.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.