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Bradley Schramek
Bradley Schramek
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Bradley Schramek Obituary
Born on November 23, 1960, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Brad was the son of Hans Schramek and Renee Globus. His father, Hans, was a Holocaust survivor whose life story was chronicled in the book "They Stole Our Chocolate Factory", written by Brad's wife, Lynn.
Brad earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications followed by an MBA in Labor Relations and Human Resources at The Ohio State University. His professional career reflected his dedication to people and leadership. He served as Director of Human Resources for Tractor Supply Company in Nashville, Tennessee, before advancing to Vice President of Human Resources, Customer Service and Training at Monro Muffler Brake & Service in Rochester, NY. His career came to an early end in 2005 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 45.
Music played a central role throughout Brad's life. He studied piano and voice for ten years under the guidance of his grandmother Camilla, a concert pianist, and his father Hans, who sang at community events. Brad performed with his high school choir and participated in numerous community musicals across Ohio and upstate New York.
Following his diagnosis, Brad remained deeply engaged with the Parkinson's community. As Vice President of Optimism at Parkinson Café - a program that provided social, cultural and intellectual interaction for people with Parkinson's disease and their families, founded by his wife Lynn - he brought joy and encouragement to others living with the disease. He frequently sang and entertained participants at these gatherings, using music as a source of connection and hope.
Brad is remembered with love by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life was held on March 31 at Brad and Lynn's home. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
FRANK A CICHA
April 4, 2025
Brad, a man that I will always remember.
Rebecca Leclair
April 4, 2025
Although I did not know Brad, I knew Lynn and I have been immensely impressed by the role she played as his care partner and advocate. No one could ask for a more ardent supporter and forever companion. Love is the deepest feeling and she has taught us all to go even deeper than that for another human. God bless.
Larry Goldberg
April 3, 2025
Brad , deeply cared for people and he always wanted to do the right thing!
Henri Pierre Fischer
April 1, 2025
My Celebration of the Life of Brad Schramek by Henri Fischer
My wife, Lisa, was a BFF with Brad´s wife, Lynn, from grade school in Dayton, Ohio. I first met Brad and Lynn at their wedding in Dayton in August 1989, 35 years ago, where Lisa was a bridesmaid. It was a poignant time for us, because Lisa was four months pregnant with our firstborn and beginning to show.
My immediate impression of Brad was of a warm and loving man who was bright, warm-hearted, confident, capable, with a sense of humor, and not overbearing. All these proved true. We had such a good time meeting family members and dancing into the evening with Lynn and Brad. Brad and Lynn shared their love story of meeting at a Jewish singles meeting and striking up a lasting conversation that convinced Brad that Lynn was the one for him.
We visited them in Nashville, and Brad took me zipping through the countryside in his Mazda Miata. We admired how he sang and played Broadway songs on the piano. He recalled, growing up in Cleveland, chafing at having to practice piano every day, but was now so glad he had.
Later, when Brad was hired as a corporate VP in Rochester, we brought our two little boys with us to their lovely home next to a small lake, and first met little Camilla, a pretty and precocious little girl. We walked along the Erie Canal, took a drive through upstate New York to Finger Lake wineries, and walked a beautiful Watkin Glens state park with its waterfalls and gorge.
When Parkinson´s disease struck Brad, we ached as they had to give up their beautiful home. But Lisa went to Camilla´s Bat Mitzvah, and we saw how Brad and Lynn bravely confronted their dilemma and sought to make the best of their life. We joined them on a vacation to a cabin by Lake Ontario to watch a whimsical 4th of July parade and glorious sunsets over Lake Ontario. It was joy and friendship tinged with melancholy for us in the face of an incurable disease.
When they moved to Bradenton, Florida, we flew out to see them almost every year. Brad and Lynn took us to the best places around Sarasota and Bradenton: an enormous hot springs for water yoga, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden, the Ringling´s Ca d´Zan estate, St. Armands Circle, and long walks with Brad and Lynn on Siesta Key.
First thing every morning, Brad would make a game of serving their Labrador Godiva her food and trying to eat his breakfast faster than her. Brad lost every time. I´d go with Brad in a golf cart in the morning for iced coffee; then we walked around beautiful Lakewood Ranch. They packed life and joy into every day and introduced us to their local Parkinson´s Café that Lynn marketed nationwide. I went shopping for jewelry with Brad for his small Ebay business. His license plate "SEZTHEDAY" reflected his approach to life.
Brad fought every day, but slowly gave way, to dyskinesia. I remember the last time I drove in a car with him and prayed quietly not to have an accident. He stopped and asked me to drive us home. It may be the last time he ever drove a car.
A few summers ago, we visited them in July and went to a Sarasota bayfront restaurant to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Brad and I shared mango daiquiris in the afternoon sun. After sunset, a thunderstorm rolled toward us from the south, such that the booms of the fireworks were matched by lightning and thunder from behind. We escaped for cover just as the fireworks ended and the thundershowers poured down!
Lisa´s and my heart ached for Brad and Lynn; but we rejoiced that he was still able to walk his beloved "Millie" down the aisle to marry Mads Poulson on July 29, 2022. It is a fitting tribute to their tenacious love that Brad expired on Lynn´s birthday, surrounded by those he loved. Brad stepped into the realm of the spirit at the appointed time: 4:24 pm; for "God is Spirit and they who worship Him do so in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
We are grateful for all the times over the years we spent together. Brad and Lynn were, and are, profiles of courage to us.
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Henri Pierre Fischer
April 1, 2025
My Celebration of the Life of Brad Schramek by Henri Fischer
My wife, Lisa, was a BFF with Brad´s wife, Lynn, from grade school in Dayton, Ohio. I first met Brad and Lynn at their wedding in Dayton in August 1989, 35 years ago, where Lisa was a bridesmaid. It was a poignant time for us, because Lisa was four months pregnant with our firstborn and beginning to show.
My immediate impression of Brad was of a warm and loving man who was bright, warm-hearted, confident, capable, with a sense of humor, and not overbearing. All these proved true. We had such a good time meeting family members and dancing into the evening with Lynn and Brad. Brad and Lynn shared their love story of meeting at a Jewish singles meeting and striking up a lasting conversation that convinced Brad that Lynn was the one for him.
We visited them in Nashville, and Brad took me zipping through the countryside in his Mazda Miata. We admired how he sang and played Broadway songs on the piano. He recalled, growing up in Cleveland, chafing at having to practice piano every day, but was now so glad he had.
Later, when Brad was hired as a corporate VP in Rochester, we brought our two little boys with us to their lovely home next to a small lake, and first met little Camilla, a pretty and precocious little girl. We walked along the Erie Canal, took a drive through upstate New York to Finger Lake wineries, and walked a beautiful Watkin Glens state park with its waterfalls and gorge.
When Parkinson´s disease struck Brad, we ached as they had to give up their beautiful home. But Lisa went to Camilla´s Bat Mitzvah, and we saw how Brad and Lynn bravely confronted their dilemma and sought to make the best of their life. We joined them on a vacation to a cabin by Lake Ontario to watch a whimsical 4th of July parade and glorious sunsets over Lake Ontario. It was joy and friendship tinged with melancholy for us in the face of an incurable disease.
When they moved to Bradenton, Florida, we flew out to see them almost every year. Brad and Lynn took us to the best places around Sarasota and Bradenton: an enormous hot springs for water yoga, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden, the Ringling´s Ca d´Zan estate, St. Armands Circle, and long walks with Brad and Lynn on Siesta Key.
First thing every morning, Brad would make a game of serving their Labrador Godiva her food and trying to eat his breakfast faster than her. Brad lost every time. I´d go with Brad in a golf cart in the morning for iced coffee; then we walked around beautiful Lakewood Ranch. They packed life and joy into every day and introduced us to their local Parkinson´s Café that Lynn marketed nationwide. I went shopping for jewelry with Brad for his small Ebay business. His license plate "SEZTHEDAY" reflected his approach to life.
Brad fought every day, but slowly gave way, to dyskinesia. I remember the last time I drove in a car with him and prayed quietly not to have an accident. He stopped and asked me to drive us home. It may be the last time he ever drove a car.
A few summers ago, we visited them in July and went to a Sarasota bayfront restaurant to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Brad and I shared mango daiquiris in the afternoon sun. After sunset, a thunderstorm rolled toward us from the south, such that the booms of the fireworks were matched by lightning and thunder from behind. We escaped for cover just as the fireworks ended and the thundershowers poured down!
Lisa´s and my heart ached for Brad and Lynn; but we rejoiced that he was still able to walk his beloved "Millie" down the aisle to marry Mads Poulson on July 29, 2022. It is a fitting tribute to their tenacious love that Brad expired on Lynn´s birthday, surrounded by those he loved. Brad stepped into the realm of the spirit at the appointed time: 4:24 pm; for "God is Spirit and they who worship Him do so in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We are grateful for all the times over the years we spent together. Brad and Lynn were, and are, profiles of courage to us.
Carol Holley
March 31, 2025
Deepest sympathy. Carol Young Holley
Elizabeth Ulirsch
March 30, 2025
I am so glad that I met Lynn and Brad when living in Rochester, and that I saw both of you last year in Florida. It is obvious that you shared a loving and caring relationship. In addition to being a kind individual, Brad was also very interesting. He had a vast knowledge of music, gemology and a love for going to a good Estate Sale. RIP.
Vicki Rose
March 30, 2025
In the nearly 40 years I have known Brad, what was always obvious was how much he loved Lynn and Camilla. He had that glisten in his eyes when he spoke about them.
Brad and Lynn always made my birthdays special by singing to me. I will miss that.
I know I've shared this with you, but every time I think of Brad now, I picture him running up to the Pearly Gates, waving his arms and declaring, "Carpe Diem."
Remember Lynn, we´ve shared so much through the years, and I´m here now to share the weight of your loss. Keeping you, Camilla and Madds, in my warmest thoughts as you all navigate this difficult time - and wishing you all healing energy.
Terry Haschmann
March 29, 2025
God's speed my friend. Rest in peace
Carolyn Michel
March 29, 2025
So sorry for the loss of the inimitable Brad... happy fighting warrior! He was a model in courage and seizing the day ! Much love to his amazing family ... especially Lynn
Sally
March 29, 2025
Dear Lynn, Camilla and Madds,
We loved and respected Brad throughout the short time we got to be with him.
We could always feel Brad´s warmth and watched him handle his devastating diagnosis with strength and determination.
We shared many dinners together and observed Lynn´s devotion to keeping Brad engaged.
It is with great sadness that we all now say goodby to Brad while admiring his life.
Sincerely and with love,
Sally and Stuart
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