Colonel Frank Moyer Schoendorfer

Frank M. Schoendorfer, 94, passed away peacefully at Brightview Senior Independent Living, East Norriton, PA on December 17, 2025. Frank lived a long and wonderful life. He was most known for his exceptional military career, his exceptional passion and talent as a musician, and his strong love and devotion to his family.

He was the beloved husband of Joyce Richardson Schoendorfer for the past 20 years (2005-2025); and was proceeded in death by his first wife, Edna May Dresch Schoendorfer whom he was married to for nearly 36 years (1954-1991).

Frank was born on October 29, 1931, the son of the late Frank L. Schoendorfer and Henrietta Moyer, of Jersey Shore, PA. He was a 1949 graduate of Jersey Shore High School; a 1951 graduate of Valley Forge Military Junior College (VFMA) where he earned an A.A. degree in Business Administration; and a 1954 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School where he was awarded a B.S. degree in Economics. Frank’s civilian education included additional graduate studies at the University of Maryland and Pennsylvania State University. In 1967, Frank also graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS.

Colonel Schoendorfer was a career Army officer, serving in various command and staff positions with units in Germany, Vietnam (multiple tours), Lebanon, and numerous duty stations throughout the United States over his 22 years. These assignments included over four years as battalion and acting brigade commander; Professor of Military Science, Ogontz Campus, Penn State University; Chief Control Branch, J-3, European Command; Senior Advisor to the 157th Separate Infantry Brigade (mechanized) and the 51st Separate Regiment (ARVN).

Frank’s military awards included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Gold Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Silver Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Staff and Training Medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist’s Badge.

He retired in 1975, ending a distinguished military career. After leaving the military, he returned to Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College as Dean of Admissions for 12 years; taught accounting, advertising, and marketing in the college; and served as the interim Bandmaster. In 1988, Frank joined Penn Savings Bank and his title changed from “Colonel” to “Frank from the Bank”, and he was very successful in the Mortgage Development Office.

Music was an important part of Frank’s life and he was a very accomplished musician. His grandfather Franz Schoendorfer, studied music at the famed Vienna Conservatory, and then came to America and served as conductor of the New York Central Band for a number of years, and one summer as first baritone in John Philips Sousa’s Band. Frank’s father served as the conductor of the Jersey Shore High School Band for 35 years, and played in many other bands. Not surprisingly, Frank literally sat at his father’s knee learning to play the trumpet, and played his first solo with the high school band as a fourth grader.

During his college years, Frank was a VFMA Bandsman, student conductor of the Penn Band, and trumpet player in his dance band as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Frank also played and conducted the Jersey Shore Town Band for a number of years, and enjoyed playing his trumpet as a member of both the Fair Play Brass and the Merion Concert Band. Frank completed the arrangement of two musical pieces which were composed by his father, The Keystonian and The Celebrator.

Frank was a 33rd degree Mason, and a Mason for over 70 years, after initially becoming a member with La Belle Vallee Lodge No. 232. During his proud Masonic lineage, he became a Sojourner, played with the Tall Cedars, was conductor of the LuLu Shriners Concert Band, and President of the Middle Atlantic Shrine Band Association.

Frank loved the outdoors, particularly fishing in freshwater streams and hunting deer. He enjoyed sports as a player, coach, and fan – especially attending his grandchildren’s baseball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse games; and rooting for the Phillies and Eagles!

In addition to his wife Joyce, Frank is survived by his three sons: Frank (Lynn) Schoendorfer, Jr. of North Wales, PA, Dean (Rosemary) Schoendorfer of Abington, PA, and David Schoendorfer of Roanoke, VA; one daughter: Lori (Ted) Dorsz of Richmond Hill, GA; one brother-in-law: Jeff Dresch (Shirley) of Conway, SC; 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; one step-daughter, Lynda J. (Jack) Schmitz of Douglassville, PA; one step-son, Jeffrey A. (Alyx) Richardson of Newark, DE; 8 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren; and many loving family members.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home, 8413 Germantown, Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118, with a viewing starting at 1000am and a service starting at 1030am on Monday December 22. Immediately following, Frank will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Roslyn, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation by mail at 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or directly online at https://dogood.t2t.org/IMOFrankSchoendorfer  .