Richard S Schoenstadt

Schroon Lake:  Richard S. Schoenstadt, December 17th, 2022, began in darkness after a heavy snowstorm knocked out the power in Schroon Lake for several uncertain hours. As the night fell and darkness descended again, Richard peacefully completed his earthly journey.

Richard was born in 1951, the third child of Shirley and Arthur Schoenstadt, in New York City. He and his family moved to Schroon Like in the late 1950’s.

After high school graduation and a short college career, he spent the early years of his adult life in building and construction in the Rochester area.

He returned to Schroon Lake in the late 1980’s to care for his Mom, whose health was beginning to fail. He coached high school sports and started working with the Town of Schroon in several capacities until his final career as Chairman of the Board of Assessors for the town. He was known for his work ethic, fairness, sense of humor and generous nature.   

Richard was an avid golfer and loved the outdoors. He was close to successfully reaching his goal to climb all the Adirondack high peaks before cancer weakened his strength. He had a soft place in his heart for animals and we are grateful to his friend Erica Hedden who is now caring for his cats Chica and Purja.

Richard was together, as he passed, with his life-long friend, Bill Burke. Bill, his brothers and sisters and families were as much family to Richard as those who lived thousands of miles away and he was blessed to have you all.

Richard joins his mother, Shirley; Father, Arthur, and sister, Susan who predeceased him. He leaves behind his elder brother Arthur, and his younger sister Cynthia, her husband Jay as well as cousins Nancy and Daryl and a smattering of other relatives around the country.

He was a part of the lives of many other friends and co-workers, and we are grateful for the support and compassion Richard received in his final days.

At his request, there will be no services, although family and friends may find a way to honor him at a later date.