Burton Hemley Schneider

Burt was born on March 26, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1949, he moved to Tucson with his parents, William and Florence Schneider, when they established the prestigious Treehaven School in Tanque Verde. Burt graduated from Catalina High School and Boston University. He served as a naval officer aboard the USS Princeton during the Vietnam War. After returning to Tucson, he took on the role of Business Manager at Treehaven School.

Broadcasting was Burt’s true passion. His career began at just 15 years old in 1957 as one of Tucson’s first FM radio announcers at KTKT-FM. While at Boston University, he contributed to KBUR radio, and during his Navy service, he worked with Armed Forces Radio. Over the decades, Burt held numerous roles in broadcasting, culminating in his position as the afternoon host at KUAZ-FM (NPR) until his retirement in 2018—an extraordinary 60 years after his voice first hit Tucson’s airwaves.

Alongside his friend Ray Lindstrom, Burt co-founded Zoom Records, Southern Arizona’s first record label, and was honored with induction into the Tucson Musicians Museum in 2023. Details at zoomrecords.com. He was also co-owner of Burt Ray Music (BMI) publishing and the Arizona franchise of the Columbia School of Broadcasting.

Burt was brilliant and well-traveled. He visited more than 40 countries and spoke several languages. He held three master’s degrees and attended the University of Arizona. Burt was kind, goofy and every time he communicated it was with a song and a dance.

He is survived by his three beloved daughters, Lara Young (Richard), Andrea Matheson “Andy Panda,” and Jennifer Ochoa; his grandchildren, Justin Thornton, Nicole and Michelle Ochoa, and Jimmy Matheson; and his great-granddaughter Isla Schaefer. Also, his sister, Patricia Henry-Schneider. His cherished chihuahua, Hazel, was his constant companion in his later years.

Burt left this earthly plane Jan. 27, 2025, at home surrounded by his three great loves, his daughters. He was 82.

Burt’s youngest daughter Jennie, best friend Ray, and only sister Patty invite you to join them to celebrate the life and love of this dear one: February 22 at 10am - Unitarian Universalist Church (4831 E 22nd St. in Tucson).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations in Burt’s name to organizations that honor veterans, dogs, or any meaningful charity of your choosing.