PAUL A. SCHROEDER

Paul A. Schroeder, 91, of Coventry, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 26, 2023 in the ECU Inpatient Hospice House in Greenville, NC. Surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his four children, Paul joined his loving wife of 61 years, Lea Ellen (Cathers) Schroeder, who spread her own heavenly wings just five months earlier. Born on December 20, 1931, in Providence, Paul was the youngest of seven children born to the late Edward and Clara (Hughes) Schroeder.

A devout Catholic, Paul’s devotion and unwavering faith were the foundation upon which he lived his life. After experiencing a reawakening through Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Paul enjoyed attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, and watching the EWTN television channel. As long-time parishioners of St. Charles in Providence, RI, Paul and his wife partnered to help others, frequently serving hot meals at St. Charles Soup Kitchen. In their later years, the couple made Coventry their year-round home and became active in Saints John & Paul, Our Lady of Czenstochowa, and St Vincent de Paul Parishes, all in Coventry. Believing that human life begins at the moment of conception, Paul and Lea were strong and active supporters of the Pro-Life Movement. They both were frequent peaceful and prayerful protesters at abortion clinics and often traveled to Washington DC to join thousands of like-minded individuals at the annual Pro-Life March. The couple also enjoyed making spiritual pilgrimages to Catholic sites around the world.

Paul graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Providence and was a gifted athlete. He was passionate about playing baseball and had dreams of joining the Minor Leagues before enlisting in the U.S. Military. A patriotic man, who loved his country, Paul was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. During his time in the service, he spent over a year stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army in 1954, Paul was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and National Defense Service Medal. After returning home to the States, Paul met the love of his life at a Providence park, and he and Lea were married at St. Anthony Mission Church in Providence during a historic snowstorm on February 4, 1961.

As someone who possessed an admirable and tremendous work ethic, Paul spent 33 years working as a telephone installer, lineman, and repairman for AT&T yet somehow always managed to carve out time for his family and his many hobbies. Paul’s favorite pastime was flying. The exhilaration of looking down at the scenery 1,500 feet below prompted him to earn his Private Pilot License, allowing him to share his joy of flying with wide-eyed friends and family.

When not flying, Paul loved camping, boating, motorcycling, water and snow skiing, bicycling, and working with his hands. A talented tinkerer, he excelled at fixing anything he put his mind to, making furniture, building docks, and often sharing his plumbing and electrical skills to help out his children and others. He was an avid bowler and won many trophies for his performances. Paul was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and took his family to enjoy many games in Boston and Foxboro. After retiring, Paul and Lea followed through on their dreams of RVing across the U.S. and Canada. After exploring Alaska’s glaciers, New Mexico’s caverns, and Yosemite’s waterfalls, the couple always returned to their “little slice of heaven” on Johnson’s Pond in Coventry - a place infused with years of laughter and special memories.

Paul cherished his time with family and relished his role helping to plan annual family reunions at Goddard Memorial State Park. Every year, generations of Schroeders came from near and far for a fun-filled day marked with delicious food, games and lots of laughter. Known for his teasing nature, repertoire of endless jokes and unique, original sayings, Paul’s sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his proud and cherished children: Lisa Schroeder Smith, her husband Charles, of Gettysburg, PA; Jude Schroeder, his wife Jennifer, of Greenville, NC; Kathy Scott, her husband Brian, of Johnston, RI; and Paul Schroeder, his wife Kellie, of Durham, NH. He took utmost pride in his 12 grandchildren: Jacob; Kyle; Ryan; Erin; Joelle; Mackensie; Adam; Devin; Lucas; Alexis; Noah; and Caden; and great granddaughter: Ayla. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 NOOSENECK HILL RD., (RT. 3), COVENTRY.

Paul's funeral will begin on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of his soul at 11:00 A.M. in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Coventry. Burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.

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