Peter H. Schrader

Dateline: Schenectady, NY
Peter H. Schrader, a respected job creator, beloved mentor, and devoted family man of West Glenville, NY passed away on April 11, 2025, at the age of 79. Peter was born on November 22, 1945, in Schenectady, NY to the late Henry M. and Jeanette (Swart) Schrader.
Peter's parents, Harry and Jeanette, instilled in him a strong sense of values and love, raising him in the close-knit hamlet of West Glenville. They fostered in Peter a legacy of helping others. Peter was captivated by the hunting and fishing stories shared by his parents' friends in the den and at hunting camp. He enjoyed riding his horses, Black Jack and Bandit, to explore the area.
Peter started schooling in the same one-room schoolhouse as his mother in West Glenville and graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School.
After high school, Peter headed south to pursue higher education in Florida and received an AA degree from Indian River Community College. He then transferred to Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Philosophy.
Peter left college early to volunteer and join the US Navy "Can Do" Seabees as a Heavy Equipment Operator and deployed to Vietnam 1968-1969 and Puerto Rico in 1970. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy Peter left Gulfport, Mississippi, and embarked on a motorcycle journey back to his hometown. He started working as a foreman for his brother's construction company.
In 1973, Peter and his wife, Christy, founded Peter H. Schrader and Company, which started small as a historic home renovations company and blazed a path to become a nationally acclaimed and award-winning enterprise that has left a lasting impact.
In 1989 Peter was the first in New York State to earn the professional designation of Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) from the National Association of Home Builders (HAHB) Remodelers Council. Peter was elected President of the Home Builders Association of Schenectady in 1985, was President of the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) in 1990 and founding Chairman of the HBA of Schenectady Remodelers Council in 1992. Beginning in 1986 he served on the Board of Directors for the NAHB for nine years. Peter was inducted in the NYSBA Hall of Fame in 2002. Today, the growing family business continues to follow Peter's example setting the standard of undisputed quality craftsmanship and professional integrity.
Peter was a volunteer firefighter for 26 years with the West Glenville Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Board of Fire Commissioners for the West Charlton Fire District. He also served as a Chairman of the Board of Assessment Review for the Town of Charlton.
An unanticipated lesson Peter learned early in his working career that "the camera is always on." This served as an honest and pragmatic self-disciplined awareness that had life altering value as he strove to be a better and more aware person. This phrase, along with "where ever you are, be there" resonated with those he mentored.
Even in the face of life's challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in 2000, Peter remained remarkably positive, humorous and grateful, and continued to inspire those around him. Through his guidance and wisdom, Peter had a profound influence on the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate those who knew him.
Peter leaves behind his beloved soulmate and best friend, Christy J. Schrader; his loving children, Erin S. (Matthew) Loiacono, Silas P. (Leigh) Schrader, and Nicholas S. (Alina) Schrader; and his adored grandchildren Nora, Harper, Otto, Henry, Leo, and James.
In addition to his parents, Peter is preceded in death by his brother David H. Schrader.
Relatives and friends are welcome and may call on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm, at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:00pm at West Glenville Reformed Church, West Glenville, NY.
Interment with military honors will conclude Peter's services at 2:00pm, at West Glenville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Peter's name to West Glenville Fire Company, 2024 West Glenville Road, West Glenville, NY 12010; or West Glenville Reformed Church, 2172 West Glenville Road, West Glenville, NY 12010.