Richard Leo Schauster

Richard Leo Schauster, 80, of Manchester, beloved husband of Marie (Petrone) Schauster, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, March 13, 2026. Born in Hartford, he was the son of Joseph Albert and Mary Christina (Cronan) Schauster.

Rick was a veteran of the US Army and was the Owner/Treasurer of Empire Industries, Inc. He loved all sports, especially UCONN Women's Basketball and was a devoted New York Yankees fan. He was also active in Operation Fuel.

Rick served on the Board of Trustees for St. James Church, which he was a parishioner of for over 50 years, as well as a Eucharistic Minister, and attended the Holy Family Retreat for 50 years. He was also the recipient of the St. Joseph Medal of Honor.

In addition to his wife Marie, he is survived by his children: Heidi Schauster of Arlington, MA; Joseph Schauster of Franklin, MA; Amy Schauster of Narragansett, RI; Emily Thomson and husband Timothy of Waterford, CT; Peter Schauster and wife Melanie of Manchester; June Pescosolido and husband Nicholas of Manchester, CT; and John Schauster and Paige Leeper of East Hartford, CT. Rick was also a proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Kyla and Ava Davidson, Brody and Asher Schauster, and Cecilia, Mary, Peter, Anne and Luke Pescosolido. He is also survived by many other close relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary, stepmother Connie, brothers Raymond and Ronald Schauster, his in-laws Peter and Gloria Petrone, and his Godson Anthony Petrone.

The family would like to thank Carla, Glory and Lillah of TheKey Home Care Services, Ambulance Service of Manchester, the Manchester Memorial Hospital Emergency Room Staff, as well as Olivia from Fox Rehabilitation.

Calling hours will be held at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street in Manchester on Wednesday, March 18th from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church, 896 Main Street on Thursday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at St. James Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.