K. George
Schoeppner - A Smiling Face in the Crowd
We gather from
near and far, family and friends, at St. John Capistran Church in Upper Saint
Clair, Pa. to celebrate the Christian Funeral Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the
life and the soul of K. George Schoeppner. George was called home to God on
Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the age of 75, most fittingly on the feast of one
of the most acclaimed and treasured saints of Christianity who appealed to both
religious and non-religious: St. Francis of Assisi, lover of God, creation,
nature, animals, the poor, lepers and peace.
When I
received the telephone call last Thursday informing me that George was being
taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh with an aortic aneurism, in
having served as a hospital chaplain for many years, I knew this news was bad
and perhaps fatal. My heart and my prayers leapt for him as I asked the
intercession of St. Francis of Assisi to be with him especially in this most
dangerous and critical time. Hours later his son, Mark called to inform me that
I didn’t need to make the trip to the hospital following the blessing of the
pets at St. Joseph Parish that day, as God had called his father home. But
God’s timing is perfect - every time! God has specific purposes and plans for
each of us, far beyond our own timing. I thought to myself, what greater
homecoming could there be than in this fruitful ‘harvest’ season, after living
such a faith-filled life? George lived life to the fullest, and I feel that God
spared him and was merciful to him in calling him home so suddenly and unexpectedly.
Early the following morning, while visiting a dying patient in the ICU of
Sewickley Valley Hospital, I spoke to a surgeon about George. He informed me
that 75% of those who have aortic aneurisms at home die. Those who survive the
ordeal have a limited existence. That information gave me a sense of
reassurance and calm. George’s life was so robust, that anything other than
that would not have suited him. I pray that my presence to George’s family will
be one of comfort and healing in the midst of their loss, sorrow and sadness. “What
a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion.” (Proverbs
15:23)
I have known
George for 2 decades, having met him while serving as an assistant priest at
St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park, Pa. It is only fitting that, we gather
at a church to give thanks to God for the graces of making this journey
together in faith, friendship and love. I am grateful for the many occasions to
have been part of this family’s history, whether celebrating the wedding of a
family member, sharing a dinner at the Duquesne Club, cheering for George’s alma
mater, the Pitt
Panthers at a basketball game at the Petersen Center, listening to a concert
given by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or just sharing a simple lunch in
the cafeteria at Mercy Hospital, while I served as chaplain there.
Whatever
assignment I was given, every 6 weeks or so, George and his wife Barbara would
follow me and say, “We’re just checking up on you! We’re making sure you are
happy and healthy.” And with a twinkle in his eye, George would add, “God loves
you and so do we! A good homily helps the visit!”
He would
always offer his signature bear hug as he whispered, “Love you, Fr. Rich, pray
for our family.” I pray especially today for you as I stand with humble joy,
blessed and honored to share and name some of the graces and lessons that I
have gleaned in journeying with him. The following are some lessons learned
from George’s life:
1. He was a
‘God-fearing’, ‘faith-filled’ man, not foolish or reckless.
Faith
permeated all areas of his life. He was a happy man, a humble man, a holy man,
a gentle man, a thankful man, a just man and a family man. “Those who fear
the Lord will live because they have put their trust in the one who can save
them. Fear the Lord, and you will have nothing else to fear.” (Sirach 34:13)
2. He
was a “good-finder” not a fault-finder. I would ask him, “George, in your complex
and busy life, how do you keep it together and balance it?” He found that the
prescription was always kindness. Kindness picks others up when troubles weigh
them down. He always found the good in people, in work, in every day, or in
every situation.
3. He
was a unifier, not a divider. He sought to include not exclude. Mass time, family meal
time, and vacation time were important to him. As the family grew, his heart
expanded with an inclusive love that left no one outside of its mantle. He was
a ‘life-giver’, not a ‘death-dealer’. He strove for unity, oneness and harmony.
4. He
was a team-player, not a braggart, whether on the basketball court, on the
baseball diamond, while being the coach of a Little League baseball team in
Upper Saint Clair. He focused on team work and positivity with a ‘can-do’
winning attitude. He brought out the best in every player. He found the seeds
of victory even in life’s little defeats. He gave a ‘thumbs up’ whether calling
signals as a father, as a coach or for his clients in the boardroom. His
delight was in serving and helping others.
5. He
was a faithful friend to countless, and a foe to few. He didn’t dodge
difficult situations. “An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.”
(Proverbs 24:26) He
won people by his contagious and joyful smile that would shatter the gloom and
heaviness of life’s adversities. His ‘sunburst smile’ penetrated the darkest of
days. “Smiling faces make you happy and good news makes you feel better.”
(Proverbs 15:30.) He
would sign all his greeting cards with 2 smiling faces, and the words, “Be
happy! We love you!” He was a lover, not a be-grudger.
6. He
was humble, not pretentious. He made everyone feel loved, special and so important.
Everyone knew they meant the world to him. “Be humble in everything you do,
and people will appreciate it more than gifts. The greater you become, the more
humble you should be, then the Lord will be pleased with you.” (Sirach 3:17-18)
The 8th century prophet Micah (6:8), gave us the ‘masterpiece of life’: “This
is what the Lord requires of us: to do what is just, to show constant love and
to walk humbly with our God.” George lived this prophetic message every
day.
7.
He was a peace-maker, not a troublemaker.
We all
make choices in life for good or ill, but it’s best not to condemn ourselves
mercilessly or blame others endlessly, instead accept the peace that comes
through forgiveness. God’s love is the key to forgiveness.
“Every day of
your life, keep the Lord, God in mind. Never sin deliberately or disobey any of
His commands. Always do what is right and never get involved in anything evil.
Be honest, and you will succeed in whatever you do.” (Tobit 4:5-6) George’s goal was
to live in peace with God, himself and others… always.
St.
Francis believed, “Sanctify yourself, and you will sanctify society. It is
not fitting, when one is in God’s service to have a gloomy face or a chilling
look.”
George chose to be happy, smile on the world, and live his faith daily. He was
grateful in all things. God certainly smiled on us in the ‘gift’ of George! St.
Francis, St. John Capistran, St. Thomas More, St. Joseph and St. George, come
to his aid! Angels of the Lord, lead him to his everlasting home in heaven!
