Chris Schroeder loses battle with cancer

Valley Stream South High School senior Chris Schroeder lost his two-year battle with leukemia, cancer of the blood cells, on Tuesday morning. The 18-year-old had been in and out of the hospital in recent weeks, and succumbed to the illness about 10:30 a.m. at home.

Eight days before his passing, Schroeder was sworn in as a member of the Valley Stream Fire Department. He had belonged to the juniors organization for several years. Schroeder had also been a member of South’s varsity bowling team, and had a 201 average during his sophomore year. He was unable to play in his junior year, and missed all but the first week of school this year.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Chris,” said High School District Superintendent Dr. Bill Heidenreich. “Chris had such a profound and positive impact on South High School. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Schroeder family.”

Messages of condolence filled Schroeder’s Facebook page on Tuesday. The mood at South was somber as word of his death spread. Schroeder is survived by his father, Wally, mother, Carol, and sister, Keri.

Visiting hours are Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Moore Funeral Home, 54 W. Jamaica Ave. in Valley Stream. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Schroeder will be interred at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington.

See next week’s Herald for a tribute to Schroeder.