Obituary of John H. Schrade

NORTH CREEK:  John Henry Schrade Jr., 72, of North Creek, NY, passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2025, with his devoted partner of more than 36 years, Cindy LaPell, by his side.

Born October 3, 1953, in Saratoga Springs, NY, to the late John “Jack” and Nancy Schrade, John spent many of his formative years helping at his family’s greenhouses, where he learned the value of hard work – a trait that defined his life.  He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and briefly attended Bentley University before deciding that a career in accounting wasn’t the right path for him.

After returning to Saratoga Springs, John tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit and pursued his love of physical labor by starting his own business.  For more than thirty years, he owned and operated J.H. Schrade Enterprises, offering landscaping, excavation, and septic services throughout the Capital and Adirondack regions.  Among his proudest professional accomplishments were planting the trees at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany, installing the sundial at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and leading the site work for The Summit in North Creek.  It was this work that prompted his relocation to the North Country in 1988.

Before a life-altering stroke in 2013, John was a tireless worker with a zest for life.  His motto was, “Work hard and play harder”.  He had a lifelong love of aviation, spending countless hours at the North Creek airport tinkering with planes and sharing laughs with friends.  When he made the time, he also enjoyed a competitive game of golf, Caribbean vacations, cooking, and happy hours with good company.  John was also an avid reader and puzzle solver-even as his health declined.  In his later years, his most proud role was that of “Grandpa John.”  His grandson, Fletcher Ames Cook (8), was the light of his life, and he found immense joy in their visits.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jack” and Nancy Schrade; brother Tom Schrade and chosen in-laws, James Olga LaPell and their daughter, Debbie Foos (Frank).

John is survived by Cindy LaPell of North Creek; his daughter, Julie Schrade Cook, her husband, Adam, and their son, Fletcher, of Whitefish Bay, WI; his former wife, Judy Schrade of Milwaukee, WI; sisters Gretchen Squires (Jimmy) of Eastham, MA, and Carol Kelly (John) of Weeki Wachee, FL; and his chosen family: Diane Batchelor (Rusty) of Cocoa, FL; Donna Fuller (Kris) of Hudson Falls, NY; Jeff LaPell (Tina) of Queensbury, NY; and Rob LaPell (Mary Jo) of East Nassau, NY.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and dear friends, including Greg Dornbusch, who was like a son to him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who cared for John in his final years, including Jill Jennings and High Peaks Hospice.  An additional appreciation goes to all who showed patience and kindness when picking up one of John’s phone calls.  He cherished reconnecting with old friends and family over the phone, where he could reminisce about healthier times and further share his love of Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johnsburg Emergency Squad, 624 Peacefull Valley Rd., North Creek, NY 12853.

John will be remembered for his generosity, humor, stubbornness, crisp collared shirts, and unwavering support for his family, friends, and community.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.