Richard P. "Schramie" Schram

UTICA – Richard P. “Schramie” Schram, age 75, is now at rest and in peace, having gone home to the Lord on Thursday, December 28, 2023, surrounded by his wife, sister, and daughter, Dana. Born in Utica on May 11, 1948, Richard was the son of the late Herman and Peg (Freytag) Schram. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and graduated from U.F.A. in 1967. On November 04, 1994, he married the love of his life, the former Donna M. Massella. From the day they met, Richie knew that Donna was the one for him. He truly believed that God put them together when the timing was right. Richie will always live in Donna’s heart and be by her side. Richie adored Donna’s daughter as his own, and they became a grounded family. In their relationship, Richie and Donna expressed mutual affection, trust and honesty. Richie was a self-taught carpenter, and therefore, a perfect fit for his position with New York State Canal System as a carpenter. After 35 years, he retired in 2010. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed his time maintaining the greens of Valley View Country Club, which he meticulously took pride in. Who gets that lucky! On the greens, Anthony, Richie’s grandson, learned to play golf with his “Mepa” and learned to love the sport thanks to Richie’s guidance. They challenged one another on many occasions, and taught one another to be fair and competitive golfers. Richie was a loving family man and a constant for Donna. They laughed every day. He was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand. He had a protective nature, especially as a brother, and was always concerned about his sisters’ safety. As a matter of fact, he would constantly lecture, “Did you lock the front door?” Richie and Donna were fortunate enough to have an abundance of wonderful friends, including the Birthday Club, a group of twelve that gathered to celebrate each other’s special days of birth. Then there was the SAC Club. It was a men’s only club with an unknown purpose. Monday nights were spent with his golf league friends at the Stonebridge Country Club. Wednesday nights were dedicated to the “Uncles” Golf Group. Richie kept himself busy. Jackpot Casino Tours allowed Richie and Donna to travel to Atlantic City and the Dominican Republic. They also enjoyed traveling to Aruba, St. Martin, Jamaica, Las Vegas, and Disney. Sundays were spent watching his favorite team, The Denver Broncos. Richie was proud of his grandchildren and had a remarkable bond of trust and love with them. Richie’s granddaughter Marcella, using her skills as a hairdresser, always kept him looking dapper. His grandson Dominick loved to challenge his grandfather with his extensive vocabulary. The youngest, Anthony, who he called his main man and best buddy, was his favorite golfing partner. Richie was the only brother, and because of this, he had a unique style and held a special place in the hearts of each of his sisters. He was a handsome soul with blonde hair, which eventually disappeared! Richie was a devout Catholic. He was a member of Historic Old St. John’s Church. He and Donna enjoyed volunteering at the Annual Festival. Richie is survived by the love of his life, Donna; his daughter and son-in-law, Dana and David “Zeek” Zito; his grandchildren, Anthony, who will forever miss his “Mepa,” Marcella Schram, and Dominick Schram; his sisters and brother-in-law, Patty and Herm Fruchtenicht, and Phyllis Petrillo and her late husband, Theodore J. “Ted” Petrillo, Jr. He fondly remembered his sister, Mary Jean (Schram) German, who passed away on January 19, 2014. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Richie knew the love of his lifetime neighbors and extended family, Carol and Dennis Tuttle, and their son Christropher Tuttle; as well as Richie and Donna’s dearest friends, George Gazzal, Marianne and Chipper Pronto, Val Jadhon, Jimmy and Patty Salerno, Bernie Hughes, Richie and Kathy Albagese, the entire Murray family, Grace and Tom Decker, Jack LoMedico, John Mazza, Joe Zito, and George, the owner and dear friend of Joey’s Diner on James Street. He is also survived by Renee, and Ricky. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominic A. “Danny” and Marie A. (Romanelli) Massella. Richie’s life was honored by his family and friends in the weeks before his passing. The family would like to thank the 8E floor staff at Wynn Hospital. The nurses and staff who were so attentive, exceeding the needs of Richie and his family. A special thank you to Danielle, Natalie, Maggie, Kourtney, Shannon and Besire, who were guardian angels to Richie. Also, a special thank you to Father John Buehler for his guidance, prayers, and support. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Richie’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, January 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Richie’s honor may be made to the St. John’s Outreach Ministries, by mail to 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Richard P. "Schramie" Schram

May 11, 1948 - December 28, 2023