Matthew J. Schnirel, attorney, athlete, air crash victim
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April 21, 1983—April 28, 2009
Matthew J. Schnirel died Tuesday in the plane crash outside Cleveland that also claimed the life of fellow attorney Michael Doran. He was 26.
A native of Buffalo, Mr. Schnirel was a 2001 graduate of Sweet Home High School, earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University at Albany in 2005 and his law degree from the University at Buffalo Law School in 2008.
A sports enthusiast, Mr. Schnirel played varsity football and baseball at Sweet Home High School and enjoyed skiing. He was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and a season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. He also was a lifeguard at Ransom Oaks for seven years.
Though his legal career had just begun, Mr. Schnirel had made a splash within the legal profession because of extensive participation in moot court trial competitions while in law school. He represented the university in competitions across the country, including New York, Texas and Michigan, and was described by his trial team coach as bright, hardworking and thoughtful.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Schnirel voluntarily helped UB’s trial teams prepare for competitions.
He was a respected attorney with Doran and Murphy LLP, specializing as a champion for the rights of injury victims. He prided himself on being an advocate for his clients, who praised him for helping them understand the complexities of tort and asbestos litigation.
He was the partner of Lauren Schilling, considered the love of his life. The two recently purchased their first home together in Snyder.
Survivors include his parents, Kevin S., vice president of sales at Network Task Group, and Kathleen, an emergency room registered nurse; two sisters, Amanda L. and Rebecca L.; a brother, Eric S.; grandparents Robert J. and Patricia, and Marilyn Flanigan.
A memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a. m. today in Christ the King Catholic Church, 30 Lamarck Drive, Snyder.
Published: May 02, 2009, 12:30 am