Rupert A. Schroeder M.D.

Rupert Arnold Schroeder, MD died peacefully after a short illness on July 31, 2016. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 6, 1925 to Rupert and Elfrieda Schroeder, the second of eight children. He graduated from Oberlin University undergraduate, and from The University of Nebraska School of Medicine. He subsequently did surgical training at Akron City Hospital where he met the love of his life, Audrey Taffaria, a surgical nurse. He served in the Marines as a medical officer during the Korean War. Rupe subsequently opened a general practice in Wadsworth Ohio before moving to Tampa to finish an Orthopedic residency at Tampa General Hospital. He practiced in Tampa more than 30 years until his retirement in the late 1990s. Rupert loved to fish and the family had many vacations to Singer Island in West Palm Beach and Boca Grande where he, Audrey, and all the family spent many happy years fishing and beach combing. Rupe and Audrey also travelled extensively in the US and abroad, capturing their adventures on video cassette with his own special narration. He also had a beautiful tenor voice and enjoyed singing and listening to music. Rupe’s real joy in life was his family, including siblings and many nieces and nephews who he loved to spend time with, especially fishing at Boca Grande. Rupe and Audrey’s marriage of 62 years was a partnership filled with love, adoration, generosity and devotion. Rupe is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Audrey and son Peter. He is survived by five of his seven siblings; his sons Jeffery Schroeder, DDS, Michael, Rupert (Linda); daughters Carolyn Connelly, MD (Jon), and Jenny Bunch (Ross). He had 7 grandchildren who he adored, Jeffery Schroeder, Sarah Schroeder Peek, Jonathon Robbins, Kate Connelly Jordan, Meredith, Christopher and Peter Connelly. He is also survived by Dore Deutsch, a dear friend who brought joy to his life in the last two years. The son of a Lutheran minister, Rupe was a strong Christian, and longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where his funeral will be held Saturday, August 6 at 11 AM. Visitation will be at Blount & Curry Funeral home 605 S MacDill Ave Friday, August 5 from 6 to 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.