Robert Marshall Schacht died peacefully at home on Friday, May 3rd, surrounded by family and long-time caregivers, affectionately known as Team Bob. He was 89 years old.
Bob was raised in Providence, the son of Clara “Bunny” Schacht and Robert Hugo Schacht, minister for 38 years of the First Unitarian Church of Providence. From an early age, Bob participated in activities in and around the church community. In his later years, he again became a very active member of the church, joining a number of committees and using his many skills to further the church’s mission.
Bob attended Harvard University, and Boston University School of Law. One of his first jobs was Legal Counsel to Governor John H. Chafee. While in that position, he drafted Rhode Island’s first fair housing law. He then served as Director of the Department of Business Regulation for the State of Rhode Island. In 1969 he became a partner at Tillinghast Collins & Graham, working there until opening his own law practice, Schacht & McElroy, in 1987. He and his partner Michael McElroy served many clients from their office on Dryden Lane.
Bob did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps as a minister, but he did want to emulate his father by helping people. He chose to do this by becoming a lawyer and sharing his expertise, often doing pro bono work for nonprofit organizations and for people who were unable to pay. Some of his clients became lifelong friends.
Bob championed many causes. He was an active member of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, was involved in the creation of India Point Park, and served on the Board and as President of the Meeting Street School and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence. He also was a longtime member of the Providence Art Club.
Bob was often fixing something, or doing his own home repairs, including re-roofing the house and replacing his heating system. He once dug a 9-foot tunnel to fix a leak in his pool. In his leisure time you could find Bob playing tennis, or badminton, or squash, depending on the decade. Other options were windsurfing, flying small planes, sailing, biking, skiing, or riding horses. He kept everything, because you never knew when you might need it. He loved animals. Early family pets included cats and dogs, small rodents, snakes and, for a memorable summer, two raccoons. His pet snake would occasionally travel with him as he bicycled to his office.
Bob had many adventures, longtime friends, and a colorful career that enriched his life. He is survived by his devoted wife Joanne, his daughters Allison, Kitty & Christine, grandchildren Paul and Pin, his brother Sandy, and his first wife Faith.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, West Warwick. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 16, at 1:00 PM at the First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent Street, Providence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Unitarian Church of Providence, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence, or the Providence Art Club. Condolences at carpenterjenks.com.
