Robert Schaler

Robert (Bud) Schaler, DDS             

Robert Schaler, DDS, 99 years of age, who lived for most of his life in New York City then enjoyed his retirement years in Water Mill, NY, passed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at CareOne Redstone Nursing facility of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts in the comfort of his loving children who cared for him in his later years.

Robert (Bud) was born in Montreal on March 20, 1923, a son of the late Frank and Evelyn (Siegel) Schaler, while his father Frank was briefly working in Canada.

He grew up in Brooklyn NY, attended Brooklyn Technical High School, and received his BA from New York University, followed by NYU College of Dentistry, and NYU Institute of Clinical Pathology.

A dedicated father of three and grandfather of four, he leaves his three children, George Schaler and his wife Barbara (Austin) of East Longmeadow, MA, Leslie Schaler of Montague, MA, and Claudia Schaler of Jupiter, FL; four grandchildren, Chris Austin of Somerville, MA, Katelyn (Schaler) Stoff and her husband Brandon of Charlotte, NC, Spencer Schaler and his wife Rachael of Melbourne, FL and Jennifer (Schaler) Relihan and her husband Tom of Apex, NC; as well as two great-grandchildren, Mason Stoff and Oliver Relihan with a third great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind a favorite nephew, Loren Glassman, his wife Carla, and great nephews Eric and Harrison Glassman and their families.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, his brother George, and his sister, Sylvia Schaler, as well as his first wife M. Diane (Crone) Schaler/Goldschlager/Prince, who passed away in 2005. 

He was married to Patt Ross Bodine who currently resides in Millbrook, NY. Since then, he enjoyed life in the Hamptons after retirement with his companion of 30 years, Ellen Burkett, who resides in Water Mill, NY, in the house that Bud loved.

Dr. Schaler was a partner in The Madison Group, a dental practice in NYC, for most of his career up until his retirement in 1997.

Bud was a man of many talents; an avid golfer, tennis player, fisherman, and an accomplished photographer with many of his photographs displayed in exhibits in the Bridgehampton area over the years.

We will always remember his legendary Sunday morning pancake breakfasts that you could only get on Sundays. He spent many hours cultivating his gardens, reading the NY Times, and observing wildlife from the peaceful deck of his home.

Bud was well loved and respected as a good man, a trusted and talented dentist, a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He lived his life well and we were all blessed to be a part of it.  He will be greatly missed. 

The family is grateful for the care provided by Rose Marie over the last several years and the dedicated CareOne at Redstone and Beacon Hospice staff who blessed him with a dignified transition.

A Remembrance reception for friends and family will be held

Friday, June 10, 2022, 5pm-7pm
Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Tribute Center

1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118

A Graveside Ceremony is scheduled at Beth David Cemetery 

300 Elmont Rd., Elmont, NY

Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 12:24pm.

For more information or to share memories visit wecare@byronkeenan.com