Thomas E. Schroder's Obituary
Thomas E. “Thom” Schroder, a resident of Maple Shade passed away suddenly on November
13th at the age of 58. He is survived by his beloved husband John H. Hyson. Thom was the devoted son of Charles and the late Marion (nee Pennell) Schroder, and treasured son-in-law of Henry and Lyn Hyson.
He will be deeply missed by his six siblings, Linda Lynch, Louise Landy, Melissa Kneipp, Charles Schroder III, Joseph Schroder, and Fred Schroder. Thom cherished his many nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as his sisters-in-law, Kimberly Miller, Ginny Norton, and Heather Hyson. He leaves behind many close friends and co-workers who will miss him deeply.
A graduate of Buena Vista Regional High School and Montclair State University, Thom was a senior paralegal for Nationwide Insurance. He was also a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Navy. While in school, Thom loved participating in theater and musicals. He was especially proud of his performance in 'Grease'. This time in his life sparked his lifelong love of music and the arts.
Thom was born in Vineland, NJ on May 26, 1965. He was the family's baby brother with the biggest heart.
Thom donated his time to multiple charities and organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, and pancreatic cancer charities in honor of his late and ever-loved mother. He inherited his handsome good looks, tireless work ethic, and determination from his father. From his mother, he received his culinary gifts, love of music, and his giving heart. Wherever life took them, Thom remained close with all of his brothers and sisters - loving each one of them with all his heart. Thom frequently traveled to his father's home to spend time with his dad, sisters, and the rest of the family. The large wooden table in the kitchen was the gathering place for many family dinners and celebrations.
When Thom married his partner John, theirs was the very first wedding ever hosted by the White Horse Winery. The day was filled with all the things Thom cherished the most: his husband, his family and friends, music and dancing, joy and celebration, and an abundance of love. He loved to travel, his honeymoon in Barcelona and Paris - being a highlight of his many adventures. He fulfilled a lifetime dream of looking out of a hotel balcony in Paris, seeing the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower in person, and strolling along the cafe-lined streets of France, holding hands with the love of his life.
Thom could often be found singing in the kitchen. He loved to cook, especially for family and friends, as well as his pets. He spoiled rotten his adorable pugs Durarham and Oona with the best toys and treats a daddy could find. Daily strolls in the park were a family affair. They were daddy's happy little shadows, loving him every bit as much as he loved them.
Thom devoted himself to serving and taking care of others. He gave of his time and his talents freely. He always put the needs of his loved ones ahead of his own. He had the biggest heart and lit up every room he entered. He loved to sing and dance, and had an inner-spirit that shone brightly and true. In his quieter moments, Thom spent reflective time writing in his journals and taking care of his many houseplants, wordlessly humming a tune all the while.
No words could capture who Thom was and what he meant to the many people who love him. He was devoted to his family, loving them with everything he had to give. He showered his friends with his love and his exuberance for life. He made the workday brighter and lighter for his coworkers and colleagues. He loved his spouse with every fiber of his being, There was no limit to his generosity or his kindness. He gave his life all he had, living each moment boldly and with conviction of purpose, in willing service to all he loved.
Thom would want each and every one of us to sing a little more loudly, dance a little more freely, laugh a little bit harder, and love a little more fiercely. He will be forever loved and forever missed.
I hope you find the feet of a dancer,
I hope you can sing in the rain,
I hope you find all the easy answers to your pain;
I hope you find love and affection,
A shoulder to cry on whenever you're alone
I hope you find someone who cares;
I hope you find all the right directions,
Everywhere.
Family and friends are invited to Thom’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, November 21st starting 10:00am at Givnish’s of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130N. followed by Sharing by Family and Friends. Interment will be private. To share your favorite memories of Thom please visit Givnish.com
Thom's services will be live streamed on the following link: https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/QFuxRvGAl?pin=752378
In lieu of flowers, Thom's family kindly asks that you donate to The Human Rights Campaign or the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, in his name.
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