Leonard "Len" J. Schrade

Leonard “Len” J. Schrade, 87 passed into peace on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Southport, North Carolina. He was originally from New York, then lived in Falls Church and other areas of northern Virginia. He loved his sweet home up on the mountain in Bluemont. He called Southport his home for the past eight years.

Born on December 14, 1937 in Briarcliff Manor, New York, he was a son of Jack and Ann Schrade.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Sally Schrade; four children, Doug, Tom (Trish), Val, and Suzie (Barney); his former wife, Wilda; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); brothers, Al (Marjo) and John (Ronnie); and many dear nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, John and Walter; and two sisters, Muriel and Doris.

Len loved growing up in Briarcliff Manor. In keeping with what was to become a lifelong pattern, he was voted “Friendliest” in high school. He attended the University of Kansas, and then served in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon for a few years. He later attended American University and began his career as a CPA. He was proud to have been involved with the Watergate investigation, uncovering valuable information. He eventually opened his own successful practice; he ended up doing taxes for 50 years. He was smart, talented, and generous, and helped countless people in addition to his clients. Catastrophic heart health problems forced him to retire in 2017. He and Sally then moved to Southport, North Carolina where they again found a home among warm, loving, and like-minded people. Although he missed his Blue Ridge Mountains, he loved the community, the ocean, and the waterfront park on the Cape Fear River in Southport. He spent a lot of time with friends, loved going to favorite local restaurants, and enjoyed watching the birds and the boats at the park, especially the huge container ships passing through on their way to ocean journeys.

Len loved people and had an unmatched zest for life. He adored his kids and was so proud of each of them. He was generous, kind, and funny, and cared so deeply about people. In November of this year Len would have celebrated 40 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. He was passionate about AA. During those 40 years he was instrumental in helping hundreds of people achieve sobriety; he never gave up on anyone. With the help of friends in recovery, Len was the driving force in the creation of Loudoun Club 12, a nonprofit recovery center in Leesburg VA devoted to helping alcoholics and drug addicts, and their families. His legacy continues as Club 12 is still thriving today, 18 years later; it hosts over 40 no cost meetings serving over 500 people weekly.

Len was an avid sports fan, always cheering on his favorite teams, always knowing every detail about players’ and coaches’ stats and lives. He loved his KU Jayhawks, the Washington Nationals, and was a diehard Washington Redskins (not Commanders) fan.

Len loved life, loved to help others, loved to laugh. His positive energy was contagious. He was a beautiful man and his absence will always be felt.

Services will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Southport Community Center, 203 East Bay Street, Southport, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, North Carolina, 28422 to honor the excellent care Len received at their hospice facility.

To honor Len’s abiding love for the Blue Ridge Mountains, you may make donations to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 717 S. Marshall Street, Suite 105B, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, online at http://brpfoundation.org/giving/donate/

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.