Gerald (Jerry) Schroeder passed away on December 17, 2016. He was born March 7, 1939 in New Jersey. He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years Elizabeth (Betty) Schroeder, his sons, Michael and his wife Ashley, Christopher and his wife Kimberly; his daughter Catherine and her husband Joseph; his grandchildren, Mark, Ben, John, Sam, Rachel, Maura, Nicholas, and Elizabeth and his sister, Mrs. Caryl Brax of Woodstock, GA. He was predeceased by his parents, Mark and Roberta Schroeder (Jean Shogren-step mother).
After graduation from Michigan State University in 1961, he entered the Navy as a commissioned officer and attended flight school to become a helicopter pilot. He completed several tours in Norfolk, Pensacola and Virginia Beach with many overseas assignments including Viet Nam and the Suez Canal. Upon retirement in 1982, he worked in the Virginia Beach area in the retail management field for over 20 years. He and his wife enjoyed the remaining years traveling and watching the grandchildren grow. He was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. with full military honors to follow.
It was Jerry''s request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads (DSAHR.org or 6300 East Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA 23502) or Holy Spirit Catholic Church (1396 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 -2710). Condolences may be made to the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com.