Joseph L. Schroeher

Joseph L. Schroeher, 84, formerly of Nissequogue, NY, passed away on March 2, 2011 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Born in West Hempstead, NY; he was the son of the late Louis George Schroeher and Mildred Southard Schroeher.

Mr. Schroeher was a great patriot to his country. In his early years he volunteered for the West Hempstead Fire Department. After graduating from Hempstead High School in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served three years as a Seaman First Class. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. He worked for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, as a riveter. He then enrolled at Hofstra University to pursue a degree in Accounting while working at Western Union delivering telegrams. In 1949 he was given the opportunity to join LILCO (Long Island Lighting Co.) as an accountant. Mr. Schroeher enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1950.

He met his wife, Mary Hansen in 1949 and they were married in 1951. Mr. Schroeher was called to active duty in 1951 as a Staff Sergeant and served two years. After being Honorably Discharged from the Air Force Reserves in 1953, Mr. Schroeher returned to LILCO.

Mr. Schroeher received his Bachelors Degree in Accounting in 1954 and Masters in Accounting in 1960. Mr Schroeher worked for LILCO for 28 years, and retired from his role as Manager of the Accounting Department in 1984. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, his accounting expertise and reputation led him to work also as an: Adjunct Assistant Professor for Suffolk County Community College; Board of Directors of the Long Island Credit Union, Clerk and Treasurer for Incorporated Village of Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor and Village of the Branch.

Mr. Schroeher had a passion for volunteering to his community and country. Over the years he was the Leader of Boy Scout Troop 290 for his sons; coached Little League and Football. He served in the Village of Nissequogue Fire Department for twenty plus years and achieved the title of Chief of the Nissequogue Fire Department from 1977-1979. He also served for the Smithtown Fire Department Chiefs Council. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11103 of Pinehurst, NC.

Above all, Mr. Schroeher was very dedicated and proud of all his family: his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Hansen Schroeher, of Cary; daughter: Diane Schroeher Zarick and husband John Zarick, of Cary; three sons: Gary Schroeher and wife Jane, of White Bear Lake, Minn., Dean Schroeher and wife Kathy, of Bangor, Maine, and Joel Schroeher, and daughter-in-law Holly Schroeher, ; grandchildren: Paul and Andy Zarick, Lisa Schroeher Sigerson and husband Mike, Mark and John Schroeher, Kris Schroeher and wife Jennifer, Kevin Schroeher and wife Nikki, and Joe and Veronica Schroeher; great-grandchildren: Austin and Kyle Schroeher and Brynn and Brody Schroeher; sister: Jean Fiske and husband Jay, of Thomas, River, NJ; and by other family and friends.

Joseph was also preceded in death by his siblings, William Schroeher and Vera Fitch.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on April 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary. A reception will follow at the Heritage Pines Club House.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to Hospice of Wake County - 250 Hospice Circle - Raleigh, NC 27607.

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