Russell W Schroeder, Jr.

Russell W. Schroeder, Jr., 85, of Franklin Lakes, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Born in Detroit, he lived in Michigan and Illinois before moving to Franklin Lakes in 1977. He graduated from Denby High School in Detroit Michigan in 1958 and later earned a bachelor's degree from the Detroit Institute of Technology.

Russell began his career in 1962 at the forefront of the electronic data processing industry.  In 1977 he assumed an executive role with the Grand Union company and assisted in the development and launching of the scanning technology that is prevalent today. In 1984 he returned to his entrepreneurial roots and purchased Taylor Rental Center, then operating in Midland Park, NJ. Together with his family and the help of many valuable employees he built one of the largest rental operations in the Tri-State area.

Russell’s interests, hobbies, and service were innumerable and varied. In his early years he earned his Eagle Scout award, ran his own newspaper and gumball concessions, excelled in archery and earned his letterman’s sweater for the backstroke on the Denby High School swim team. Later he became a fine woodworking craftsman, building many of the pieces still found in his home today and a family vacation cabin on property in Harrison, Michigan. He studied aviation and earned his private pilot’s license. He loved sailing and helped crew on various sailboats. He bowled and was part of various bowling leagues for many years. Russell also gave back to the community of Franklin Lakes, serving in many capacities as a Councilman for over 25 years and as a Fire Commissioner. 

Russell is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his sons David, Mark and Keith; his daughter-in-law Donna and his former daughter-in-law Carmella, as well as five grandchildren; Kacey, Brianne, Nathan, Max, and Luke and a great-granddaughter Hailey.  He is also survived by his sister Joyce Freitas and his brother Gary.  

He was predeceased by his sisters Denise and Karen and his sister-in-law Shirley.

Russell met Nancy in their junior year English lit class. They were together since then, and after 65 years of marriage he still referred to Nancy as “his bride”.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 on Monday, June 2 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home. A private interment for family will follow at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah.

Memorial contributions in Russell’s memory can be made to the Franklin Lakes Ambulance Corp, Attn: Donations, PO Box 302 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 or Franklin Lakes PBA Local 150, Attn:  Matthew Geyer, 490 De Korte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ  07417.

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