In January, Lou Schrader, a 1956 Falconer High School graduate and former Falconer mayor of Falconer, passed away after a short illness.
In addition to his wife Sylvia, five children and 19 grandchildren, Schrader left behind a close knit group of fellow graduates.
In honor of their 56th high school reunion this year, the Class of 1956 made a donation of $1,750 to the Our Lady of Loreto Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, in memory of Schrader.
Article Photos
Dennis Stornes, left, and Jon Saff, right 1956 Falconer High School graduates, present June Diethrick, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation operations officer, a check for the Our Lady of Loreto Fund in honor of Lou Schrader. Also pictured is Sylvia Schrader, Schrader’s wife.
During his high school career, Schrader was a scholar athlete, playing on the undefeated football team, basketball team and championship baseball team. He was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the high school band. After graduation, he attended Jamestown Community College. He was employed by the Bank of Jamestown, Burroughs Corp., and prior to retirement, Computerland.
According to friend and classmate Jon Saff, Schrader was the go-to-guy for all members of the class of 1956.
"Lou truly loved his classmates," Saff said. "He served as treasurer for all of our class reunions and organized monthly luncheons and dinners."
A dedicated member of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, Schrader was instrumental in organizing and funding a scholarship to assist Falconer High School students further their education.
The Our Lady of Loreto Fund is a designated agency fund to benefit the church as well as provide money for two annual scholarships for graduating Falconer High School seniors. For more information on the fund or to make a tax-deductible donation, call the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at 661-3390.