Richard A. Shrader

Richard Alexander Shrader (aka Dick or Rich) was born March 26,1937 in Danville Ky and grew up in Columbia, Ky.
The son of Ashton Boyd and Thelma Musetta Shrader, he had two sisters, Carol S. Fields (Edward Fields, deceased) and Betsy S. Randolph married to Steve Randolph.
At Age 11, Rich began playing tennis and played the game he loved until age 87. His final game was one of his best and he was very proud of that fact.
At age 15, Dick became ill with Polio (before the vaccine became available) leaving him with partial paralysis of his throat. The paralysis worsened over the years and led directly to his death from aspiration pneumonia.
His college education included Centre College, Danville, Ky (BA in History); University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC (MA, MACT and PHD in History).
His first week at UNC, he met and fell in love with Linda Sue Mothershed. They were married on April 1, 1961. (No Joke) They had 2 sons, Richard and John, who survive him.
Dick's career began as a UNC library assistant in 1973 and ended with retirement in May 2000, as Reference Archivist in the Manuscripts department, Southern Historical Collection. He received countless tributes from authors he had helped with research for their books. He also served as a member of the council of the Historical Society of North Carolina.
In addition to his busy work/ family life, Rich served 8 years in the US Naval Reserves, including being on 24-hour alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Dick was a loving husband and father and was very proud of his sons. He always saw the best in people and was very supportive to all he knew. His strongest convictions were quality of life and health. He always planned ahead and had a "plan B" ready, just in case!
Dick left his very loving family on October 13, 2025 and will be missed every day by his family and friends. We are grateful to have had him in our lives.
Hudson Valley Hospice provided wonderful care and support to Dick and our family. We wanted to express our deep appreciation and affection to the Hudson Valley Hospice of Dutchess County staff during our very challenging times. We ask that anyone willing to do so, please direct memorial gifts (in Rich's name) to: Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-485-2273.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Hyde Park, NY.
To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.