Valley Stream remembers Chris Schroeder

Chris Schroeder, seated, became a Valley Stream firefighter on Memorial Day.

Courtesy Village of Valley Stream

Lauren Becker and Katie Walsh signed the banner for Chris before the funeral procession passed by South High School on June 8.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Schroeder was joined by Jen Laxton, far left, Jacqui Allocca and Anne Yu at last year’s “Bowl 4 Schro” fundraiser at Rockville Lanes.

Anne Marie Allocca/Herald

The Valley Stream Fire Department took part in last Saturday’s morning funeral services to honor one of its own. Schroeder became a firefighter just a week before he died.

Courtesy Brian Grogan

Students used cups to create a tribute to Chris Schroeder in South High’s chorus room after his death.

Anne Marie Allocca/Herald

Chris Schroeder, who lost his two-year battle with leukemia on June 4, is fondly remembered by his classmates and teachers.

Courtesy Keri Schroeder

Students displayed a signed banner to honor classmate Chris Schroeder as his funeral procession passed by Valley Stream South High School on June 8.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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There are many attributes that defined Chris Schroeder, but the fact that he simply loved life stands out most among those who knew him.

He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his warm heart, his ability to make others laugh and his colorful appearance. The South High School senior died June 4 after a two-year battle with leukemia.

While there was shock that the 18-year-old couldn’t overcome the disease, there was also a sense of relief that his suffering was over.

“He battled this with such dignity, such bravery and courage, no matter what he had to go through,” said phys. ed. teacher Michele Marcus, Schroeder’s bowling coach. “He wanted to beat it.”

Schroeder was born Dec. 4, 1994, in Fayetteville, N.C., and was adopted by Wally and Carole Schroeder. He also leaves behind a sister, Keri, 32.

Principal Maureen Henry noted the sadness that hung over the school during the last week of classes, normally a joyful time of year. In 2007, Henry and Schroeder arrived at South together, with the first-year principal quickly taking a shine to the then seventh-grader.

When he smiled, she said, his dimples could steal anyone’s heart. “I really feel that my life was enriched by knowing Chris,” Henry said. “He will always be one of my heroes.”

Schroeder didn’t blend in with others, and was just fine with that, noted many of his friends. He was known for his loud outfits that included skinny orange jeans, checkered pants and bright sneakers. He was most often seen in his favorite color, purple, and often dyed his hair. One week there would be a green streak — as he appears in his senior yearbook photo — and the next it would be another color. “He was unique,” said senior Mike Marino, who has known Schroeder since they were in third grade at Brooklyn Avenue School.

“He was a great kid with an awesome personality,” said James Fischman, one of Schroeder’s elementary teachers. “His smile could light up a room. My prayers are with his family. Heaven just got another angel.”

His friends remember

Schroeder never had a bad word to say about anyone else, recalled senior Julie Macaluso, who met him in first grade. He was a bit rambunctious then, she said, but matured as he went through junior high and high school. “He grew up into the sweetest kid I’ve ever met,” Macaluso said.