Richard M Schrader
June 28, 2020
RICHARD M. (DICK) SCHRADER
Richard M. (Dick) Schrader passed away Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Jacksonville, FL at the age of 86 with his wife, Jean, by his side.
Dick was born on February 24, 1934 in Bethlehem, PA to Miriam Eckert Schrader and Michael Cornelius Schrader. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy before earning a BA, Class of 1955, and later an MBA, from Cornell University. At Cornell, Dick was a member of Sphinx Head Society, Delta Phi and Business Manager of The Cornell Daily Sun.
He had a passion for cultural and world affairs and was an avid believer in the power of education. Early on, Dick served on the Executive Committee of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire. In 1966, he put his toe in the water as a Primary Candidate in the First Congressional District of New Hampshire. He published “The Growth and Pitfalls in Federal Support of Higher Education” in the Journal of Higher Education. Throughout his life he was a regular writer of Letters to the Editor letting his opinions be known, including the Florida Times-Union.
He was a Marine and served in the United States Marine Corps in Japan post WWII. Dick often said being a Marine was one of the best things that happened in his life.
Afterwards, he enjoyed a career in academic development for various institutions including Cornell University, Phillips Exeter Academy, Swarthmore College and Colorado Women’s College. He was instrumental in establishing the very popular Washington Intern Program at Phillips Exeter Academy allowing students direct meetings with Presidents, Senators and Representatives. This year the program celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The latter part of his career he joined the U.S. Small Business Administration which ultimately brought him to Florida where he assisted many small businesses with feasibility studies, marketing and business plans and funding.
Dick was an initial supporter and beginning member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Florida. In his retirement he and Jean enjoyed many of the course offerings and lively discussions.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jean Ganey; his children Michael Schrader (Michelle Moritz) and Kathryn Shanabrook (Eric); his step son David Kelly; his grandsons Daniel and Adam Schrader; and his siblings Alice Gleason and Robert Schrader (Susan).
Please consider a gift in Dick’s name to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Florida.
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Dick was a kind and gracious father-in-law and grandfather. He was always interested in hearing about our lives, discussing current events, travel, history and the courses he and Jean were taking at OLLI. We enjoyed our visits with him and Jean in Florida, and when they visited us in San Francisco. He will remain in our hearts and memories.
Dick was a kind and gentle man. I'm glad he lived a long life with many successes. I will add that he traveled widely and enjoyed his retirement among his family in Florida.
I’m thankful for the many good times with  and memories of my uncle.
By reading his obituary, Dick seemed to be a man who was a positive influence on mankind, and important military server in our country's freedom.
We truly enjoyed knowing Dick. Our many conversations were always insightful and often scholarly. We miss Dick, our memories of him will never leave us.
To all those who grieve: I am thinking of you  Please hope to find a long lasting peace. A joyous spirit in which to rest. May the lighthearted memories be remembered and the troubling times not forgotten because you had a chance to grow close. I will always remember the light behind his smile. Cherish that. Do not in dark times of grief let it fade.Â
Warmly as always,
BetsyÂ
Dick was surely a bright spot in my life. Always up-to-date on current events and ready to speak with you about what was happening in the world. I enjoyed his nice dry wit and the history lessons he taught me. "A treasure" is how one person described him and I heartily agree. Thank you Dick, I'll miss you.
I personally will miss your history lessons at the current events class. always had a smile. Will remember you every Tues. class,
Semper Fidelis Doug.
Richard, I shall miss the robust debate and humor of being in your company and sharing an adult beverage while lamenting the lunacy of our times. You are often in my thoughts, a condition I fully expect to continue.
My first encounter with you, my friend, was in Great Books at OLLI. What wonderful times we had discussing great literature and learning about each other. I am so sorry that this pandemic cut short our dinners and time we could have spent together. But, I am grateful that you were able to enjoy lobster salad and good red wine.
You will be missed.