Former MTC Chairman Robert Schroder Passes

Former Metropolitan Transportation Commission Chairman Robert "Bob" Schroder died March 29. He was 90.

Mr. Schroder represented Contra Costa County on MTC from 1978 through 1993, serving as chairman from 1985 to 1987.

Mr. Schroder earned the name "Mr. Transportation" for the myriad of projects he supported while serving on MTC's board. He was an original board member of the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority, which later became County Connection.

Born in 1928 in San Francisco, Mr. Schroder moved to Walnut Creek at a young age. 

Mr. Schroder worked in the insurance business and served on the Walnut Creek City Council for 16 years, starting in 1960. He was mayor three times.

Mr. Schroder also served on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for 16 years, representing District 3. He was first elected in 1976 and held the seat until 1992. Schroder's son, Rob, is the mayor of Martinez. 

Mr. Schroder is survived by his wife, Frances, and their children, Mayor Schroder and his two sisters, Susan Mendes and Sharon Schlagel, as well as several grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek. Obituaries for Mr. Schroder have been published in the Martinez Gazette and the East Bay Times.