Robert John Schoderbek Sr.

1946 - 2025

Robert John Schoderbek, Sr.

January 18, 1946 - April 14, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Robert John Schoderbek, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina after a courageous battle with dementia. Bob was a very kind and generous person dedicated to his family and work. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration.

Born on January 18, 1946, in New York City, Bob's life took a significant turn when his family moved to Mebane, North Carolina. Their life centered on family as they built and developed a successful family farm. As the eldest of five, Bob played a pivotal role in constructing the family house and transforming the land.

Bob's academic journey began at Williams High School in Burlington, North Carolina which led him to North Carolina State University. At State he enjoyed playing on the freshman football team and excelled as a pole vaulter for the track team. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1968 but most notably, met his shining star, Freida Eaker from Cherryville, NC, who would become his wife.

They married on April 10, 1968 in Raleigh, North Carolina. and he was a devoted and beloved husband for 57 years. Bob and Freida celebrated their last anniversary together just days before he would pass, commemorated by the most fantastic double rainbow that has ever stretched over south Charlotte.

Bob was a true family man, his most cherished moments spent with his children, Tammy and Rob and his grandchildren. He worked hard to provide the best life for his family and taught his kids and others to work hard and value education. That's why he was so supportive and encouraging of his kids and grandkids to get more education after college. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and make time for his loved ones, coaching sports teams for his kids, teaching life skills and lessons, and supporting them in all of their dreams.

Bob's thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Master of Science degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Lehigh University in 1973 and decades later, obtain a second Master of Science degree in Computer Science from American University. He was fascinated by computers and during his lifetime mastered over forty computer programming languages and operating systems.

Bob had many exciting jobs as a Computer Engineer for Bell Labs, Bell South, National Cash Register, and AT&T to name a few. He helped develop and distribute new computer technologies for these companies. At one job he helped develop the computer guidance system that guided rockets. In his last years, Bob would always say that he "built rockets" because of that exciting job. After he retired, he volunteered for a company that refurbished computers and sold them to people who couldn't afford new ones. He streamlined the refurbishing process and the company became much more successful. He was always proud of being able to help people get computers they couldn't afford.

Robert is survived by his wife, Freida; his daughter, Tammy Shipley; his son-in-law, James; his son, Dr. Robert J. Schoderbek Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Allyn; his grandchildren, James Shipley, Will Shipley, John Prescott Schoderbek, Mary Ellis Fidler, and Bennett and Banks Schoderbek; his siblings, Joanne Rogol (Alan), Charles Schoderbek (Sharon), and Patricia Kornmeyer (Steve); his brother-in-law, Rusty Eaker (Kim), and his sisters-in-law, Patsy Lineberger and Sally Harris; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert is also preceded in death by his parents, John and Lydia Schoderbek; his brother, John; his in-laws Cecil and Viola Eaker, and four brothers-in-law, Boyce and John Eaker, Harold Lineberger and Jackie Harris.

Bob will be missed by his family and friends, but it's comforting to know that he's in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A celebration of Bob's life will be planned in the coming months.