Norman Wayne Schneiderhan, who launched the world’s largest truck convoy for the Special Olympics, died on July 26. He was 70 years old.

Schneiderhan was born October 1, 1951 in Queens, NY, and graduated from Farmingdale High School. He attended the Florida Police Academy and served as a police officer for 38 years. As an officer, Schneiderhan worked for the DeLand Police Department, Volusia County Corrections and spent more than 30 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

It was during his time in Orange County that he created the world’s largest truck convoy to benefit Special Olympics, raising over $5 million.

Jon Osburn, who led OOIDA’s touring caravan for nine years, first met Schneiderhan when he became involved with the Special Olympics convoy during his sophomore year.

“When I first met him, his kindness was something that really stood out. He was also in perpetual motion,” Osburn said. “Norm really did it with his heart and not his wallet. was a legend in many of our minds.

Schneiderhan retired as a corporal with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 2016.

According to his obituary, Schneiderhan enjoyed classic cars, woodworking, hunting, fishing, watching movies, gardening, cooking, listening to 1950s and 1960s music, playing board and card games, and spending time with family and friends.

“Norman was a kind man who took care of his family, friends, neighbors and co-workers,” reads his obituary. “If anyone needed anything, he would do whatever he could to help.”

OOIDA historian Sandi Soendker has described the legacy left by Schneiderhan.

“When stories are told and films are made about the great convoys of the past, you don’t always read about protests, but more about fundraising events for worthy causes, like Special Olympics,” Soendker said. “These stories will likely include a main character in uniform and badge, organizing and ensuring the trucks run in a legal, safe and orderly manner. During those years of great convoy, this character was the cape. Norman Schneiderhan – a Florida officer who had an admiration for truckers and a tireless commitment to supporting children’s charities. For years, the cop with a heart of gold barked orders and coordinated events that set convoy and fundraising records. Everyone knew the course. Standard.”

A visitation is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 5 at the Deltona Memorial Funeral Home in Orange City, Florida. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on August 6 at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home.

Donations for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS) are requested in lieu of flowers. LL