David Thomas Schroder

1935 - 2021

Schroder, David Thomas VALLEY FALLS David Thomas Schroder passed away on September 14, 2021, at Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington, Vt. in the presence of his family. Dave was born on July 24, 1935, in Poughkeepsie, the son of Herman and Gertrude Wallwork Schroder. He graduated from Kingston High School and Westchester College in White Plains, N.Y. His first employment was as a mechanical designer at IBM and then Burroughs Corp. in Pasadena, Calif. He later served as projects manager for Allstates Design & Development Co. and Graphic Techniques in Albany, and was vice president of operations for Adirondack Specialty Adhesives. He worked as the recruiting manager for Key Personnel in Mechanicville and later became a partner in the business. After he retired from the business world, his latest and most rewarding job was devoting his daily care to his three eldest grandchildren for over 13 years. Dave was a U.S. Army veteran and was honorably discharged after a tour of duty in Germany. He was a passionate golfer and a long-time member of the Battenkill Country Club of Greenwich. During many years of playing, he was proud of his golfing achievements including two hole-in-ones and the elusive double eagle. Dave enjoyed many golf outings and trips with family and friends. He was a fervent fan of the Boston Red Sox, often making the drive to Boston where his son held season tickets. Dave enjoyed playing the piano, loved to dance and enjoyed the music of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. He was well-known for years as the man who accompanied Cosmo the collie on daily walks throughout the area. He was fun to be around, devoted to his family by helping in every way - always bringing a positive attitude to any conversation or party. Survivors, and those deeply missing and mourning him, are his wife, Mary Ellen Madigan Schroder; his children, Marilyn Thompson and husband Joseph, David Schroder and wife Louise, Daniel Schroder and wife Krystal; and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Gregory and Andrew Thompson, Annabel, Theo and Madeleine Schroder, and Aliceanna and Juliet Schroder. He is also survived by his brothers, William Schroder (Norine) of Atlanta, Ga., and Donald Schroder (Barbara) of Valley Falls, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joseph and Rosemary Madigan of Valley Falls. He also leaves behind his uncle, Bob Schroder of Hyde Park, N.Y., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Madigan. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, September 17, from 4-7 p.m. at Chase-Smith Funeral Home in Schaghticoke. Graveside services will be on Saturday, September 18, in St. John's Cemetery in Schaghticoke. Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Veterans' Home or NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) for research in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, c/o Chase-Smith Family, P.O. Box 37, Schaghticoke, NY, 12154. Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com