Edward "Eddie" Schachter

1923 - 2025

Edward "Eddie" Schachter
September 10, 1923 – January 10, 2025
Edward Schachter, affectionately known as Eddie, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Eddie's extraordinary life was marked by resilience, love, and generosity.
Eddie was born in Germany and arrived in the United States on December 31, 1938, after fleeing the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust. Alongside his parents and older sister, Hilda, he found refuge in Washington Heights, where they joined a community of fellow refugees. Eddie completed high school there before serving his adopted country as an Army Military Police officer and interpreter. During his service, he proudly became a U.S. citizen.
Eddie's entrepreneurial journey began with selling army and navy surplus goods in White Plains, NY. In 1956, he purchased a small men's haberdashery, Richard of Greenwich. Through relentless hard work, determination, and the support of a talented team that included his daughter, Susan, Eddie transformed Richards into one of the world's finest clothing stores. He treated every customer like family and extended the same warmth to his employees, fostering a legacy of kindness and connection.
In 1949, Eddie married the love of his life, Lucy, and together they built a beautiful life in Stamford, CT, where they spent 70 cherished years. Eddie's greatest joy was his family and friends, but he also found delight in his work, playing tennis, golf, and cards, and indulging his passion for cars. Known for his infectious energy, Eddie was always the life of the party.
A man of immense generosity, Eddie dedicated his time and resources to causes close to his heart. He was involved with organizations such as UJA, TID Breakthrough (Formerly known as JDRF), Hadassah, and HIAS, reflecting his commitment to giving back and honoring those who helped him along his journey. He was also deeply proud of his contributions as a board member of the Putnam Trust Bank and being named Rotary Man of the Year-an accolade he considered one of his life's greatest honors.
In 2015, Eddie and Lucy retired to Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where they formed lasting friendships and enjoyed a vibrant community at Devonshire. After Lucy's passing, Eddie found joy once more with his special companion, Shirley.
Eddie is survived by his devoted daughter, Susan Fleisher (Laurent Martinez), his beloved granddaughter, Samantha, and her fiancé Eric Silver, along with many dear friends. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Jutta Baxter for her years of loving care for both Lucy and Eddie.
Eddie's life exemplified his motto: "Work hard, play hard." He will be remembered as a kind, loving man, with an uncanny ability to make others feel special. The world is a brighter place for having had Eddie in it, and his legacy of love and generosity will endure.
The Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford, CT. The Interment will follow at Agudath Sholom Cemetery, Westhill Rd., in Stamford, CT.
In memory of Eddie's legacy, donations may be made to HIAS, TID Breakthrough (Formerly known as JDRF), or UJA Stamford, CT.
Arrangement are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave Stamford, CT 06902, (203)-359-9999. To send expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com