Obituary of George J. Schellenberg

One of a kind. The greatest father, son, brother, uncle and friend, George J. Schellenberg, age 77, of Patchogue passed away surrounded by family on January 21, 2026. George was called home to his family and friends to watch over everyone he loved and cared for in this life.

George was born October 2, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY. A private cremation was held. George is survived by his best friend and daughter Jennifer Schellenberg, mother Anna Schellenberg, his brother Thomas Schellenberg, sister Ann Andersen, his son-in law Patrick McMenemy, and the countless family and friends he loved and supported throughout his life.

George was born in Brooklyn New York, and spent a majority of his life keeping the lights on for the residents of Queens New York as an overhead lineman. He was immensely proud of his profession, and his colleagues as an overhead lineman. After his days of playing with high voltage were over, he transitioned to a life of teaching at the Con Edison learning center in Queens. He taught generations of lineman at the school, and through his work he kept the lights on for countless families in New York City. Through George’s work, countless families were able to watch Yankees games, celebrate weddings and birthdays, and heat their homes during the worst winter storms the state had ever seen.

George loved his work, and he loved his friends and co-workers who worked so hard to be there for everyone else when the lights went out. George was always there with an opinion or a laugh, and if he lhe would always be there when you needed him most. He loved animals (especially eagles and his grand pups), and through his beloved neighborhood cat Mew made friends who became family in Amy and Chris Cleveland.

George was the number one supporter and fan of his daughter Jennifer. Their love for each other was on display from the beginning of her life until the end of his. Whenever his daughter needed anything, no matter how trivial, he did it with a smile and a laugh. His love for Jen will echo through eternity and is a blessing for all to have experienced. 

In times like these we always look for signs our loved ones are watching over us. We would ask you remember him the next time the lights come on after the big storm. Always think of George and the countless other men who turned on the lights for New York City for the past 50 years. We will be forever grateful for the love and unwavering support he gave to us in our lives.

“Old lineman never die, they just cut out and phase away”. We will come together to celebrate a life of service well lived.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horse Block Road, Medford, NY. A prayer service for George will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, January 30 at McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horse Block Road, Medford, NY. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in memory of George J. Schellenberg to either charity listed below:

Guide Dogs for the Blind

https://donate.guidedogs.com/for/main2/info/IHGIN241

Tunnel 2 Towers

https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout

A celebration of life brunch will take place on Saturday January 31, 2026 at The Wayward Kitchen and Cocktails in Sayville, NY at noon.

If possible please rsvp to 631-260-0092 advising if you will attend on January 31.