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I. Morton "Buddy" Schindler, an electrical engineer who oversaw the pumping operation for Baltimore's water supply system, died Friday at Sinai Hospital of complications of a fall he suffered in December. He was 87 and lived in Pikesville.
Born in Baltimore and raised near Patterson Park, Mr. Schindler was a 1944 Patterson Park High School graduate. He was awarded a scholarship to the former Western Maryland College, where he studied for several months before being drafted into military service. He served in an Army radio unit in France and Germany.
After the war he earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
"My father was a bright student who was fantastic in math," said his son, Bruce Schindler, who lives in Glyndon and owns Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln. "He was mechanical and he could fix anything. All his relatives would call him with their household problems."
"They asked him for advice on washing machines and how to hook up a dryer," he added. "He diagnosed a washing machine issue a week before he passed."
According to a resume kept by Mr. Schindler, he worked in electrical crane controls at the Bethlehem Steel Corp.'s Sparrows Point plant in the 1950s. He was later a project engineer and estimator for the Wolf & Mann Electrical Manufacturing Co. on Sisson Street in Remington.
Mr. Schindler worked in power plants and paper mill components for the Koppers Co., and then joined Albert Gipe and became a water treatment plant consultant. He traveled extensively on this job.
"He was a good father and he took us, his children, on trips with him," said his daughter, Marsha Goldberg of Owings Mills. "We visited smaller towns like Rome, Ga. or places in Indiana with him."
He then joined Baltimore City's Department of Public Works and was an electrical engineer in its water division. He worked at the Ashburton filtration plant and oversaw pumping operations for the regional water system. He was a licensed water treatment plant supervisor.
"He would always tell us that Baltimore City had the best water in the country," his daughter said.
Mr. Schindler would also take his children to Lake Roland, Conowingo and Liberty dams, and the Loch Raven Reservoir.
"We did not lead a lavish lifestyle and it was a treat to get out in a rowboat with him," his son said. "If there was a little more money, we splurged on renting a rowboat with a small motor."
Mr. Schindler went on to join the Maryland Transit Administration for nearly 30 years in downtown Baltimore, where he managed facilities contracts for bus storage and maintenance yards.
"He was particular and precise," said a colleague, Sam Miller of Overlea. "He was interesting to work with and was quite professional in his dealings. He [was] also a good, respectful friend."
He later joined the state's Department of General Services, where he administered contracts for several state agencies.
"He was very intelligent and dedicated and worked seriously for the state of Maryland," said Benedict "Dick" Leibowitz,a Pikesville resident and colleague. "He was a good team leader."
The Morning Sun
He retired about five years ago but remained active in his field. He was a consultant to the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and did private work in the electrical engineering.
Mr. Schindler belonged to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. He was also a life member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. He was active in the Amicable St. John's Lodge of the Masons. He had been a member of the Beth Jacob Congregation before joining Beth Tfiloh Congregation. He had been active in the Century Club of the Jewish Educational Alliance and was a National Aquarium volunteer.
"He was a charitable man and he always had his wallet out for someone," said his companion of 16 years, Betty Silver of Pikesville.
She said they enjoyed traveling on cruises throughout Europe and had crossed the Atlantic twice on ships. Mr. Schindler was an avid reader of current events.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Sol Levinson and Brothers, 8900 Reisterstown Road.
In addition to his son, daughter and companion, survivors include his brother, Lionel Schindler of Randallstown; and three grandchildren. His marriage to the former Lenore Rosenblatt ended in divorce.