John J. Schramm

John J. Schramm of Westport Connecticut passed away on January 13, 2009 after suffering a stroke. He was 67. Born in South Orange, NJ, on January 18, 1941, he was the son of the late Sylvester (Ted) and Ruth Schramm, and graduated from St. Benedict's Prep school in 1958. John graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1962, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He went on to earn his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut in 1968. John began his career utilizing his engineering degree to work for General Dynamics, United Aircraft Corporation, and later for NASA working on the design of the lunar module. In the 1970's he transition to a career in broadcasting, working for Westinghouse Broadcasting in New York City and participating in the production of the Mike Douglas show among other programs. He went on to co-found a specialized cable channel, The People's Choice, and continued to work in the emergent cable network industry through the late 80's. He more recently was working as an independent consultant, bringing together his considerable business acumen with several other fields of specialized expertise to assist in mergers, acquisitions and new business development projects. As recently as November 2008 he returned from a trip to Beijing and other areas in China where he was pioneering a global business education program for Rutgers University in New Jersey. In his personal life, John together with his wife, Patrice, was an avid contributor and participant in the arts programs of Westport, such as the Levitt Pavilion and The Westport Country Playhouse, as well as immediate Past President of The Cotillion Club. He was an acting director, and past secretary of Kiwanis of Weston, rendering a variety of community services and fundraising efforts, and helping to earn the local chapter a top five ranking among thousands worldwide. John is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Patrice, his son Mark Schramm and his partner Sonia Zamborsky of Falls Church, VA, and his daughter Margaret Schramm-Rinard and her husband Chad Rinard of Burke, VA; two sisters Marjorie Kozachok and Barbara Schramm of Wyzata, MN, and brother Robert Schramm of Florham Park, NJ; one grandson James Welcome Rinard, and many nephews, nieces and cousins. John's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 16, 2008 in Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall Street from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. His funeral will be on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at The Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, 10:00AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be co-celebrated by Rev. Tom P. Thorne and Monsignor Nicholas V. Grieco. A celebration of the life of John Schramm will be held at The Assumption Church reception hall immediately following the requiem mass. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his memory may be made to: The American Diabetes Association's ADA Research Foundation, Attn: Individual Giving Department 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or on the web at www.diabetes.org TO VIEW JOHN'S DVD VIDEO TRIBUTE, PLEASE CLICK "VIEW A VIDEO" BELOW HIS PHOTO. YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRESS THE START BUTTON, TO BEGIN THE VIDEO.