Thomas Richard Schiller

Thomas Richard Schiller — known to family and friends simply as Tom — peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born February 14, 1936, in the Bronx, New York, Tom grew up in Stamford, Connecticut and over the years made homes in Port Angelis, Washington; Burlington, Massachusetts; Greenwich, Connecticut; Bethesda, Maryland; and Oxford, Maryland. The son of the late Erich E. Schiller and Dorthea Jung Schiller and brother of the late Theodore Schiller, Tom lived a life marked by humility, quiet strength, and an unwavering sense of passion and purpose. Growing up by the water, he developed a deep affection for the sea and sailing. Tom’s life of service began at the United States Coast Guard Academy (Class of 1958). He served ten years in the U.S. Coast Guard (1958–1968), rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and receiving honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Antarctica Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. He served as Lead Engineer Officer aboard the icebreaker, USCGC Eastwind, and fulfilled missions to both the Arctic and Antarctic. After further study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1962–1964), Tom practiced naval architecture and marine engineering across private and public sectors — including Industrial Spain, Seatrain Lines Company, Strick Corporation, Cushing & Company, M. Rosenblatt & Son, and the David Taylor Model Basin — and retired at the age of 80. From 1969 to 1980 he owned and managed Schooner Cove Marina, Stamford, Connecticut. Boats were central to Tom’s life. He loved a fine hull and the teamwork of a crew, particularly when it included his family. His catboat, TomCat and his beloved schooner, Bounding Home (a 1933 Francis Sweisguth design) were constant companions. Tom successfully raced Bounding Home in events including the Mayor’s Cup Race (1969, 1973, 1982) and at Mystic Seaport (1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1983). He served as Commodore of the American Schooner Association, volunteered with the Model Boat Guild at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and exhibited his model boats at the Oxford Model Boat Show. He also co-chaired Oxford’s Trees on the Docks Christmas event from 2019–2021. Tom’s family was vital to his life. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Schiller, of almost 40 years; his children Scott, Lynne, Sandy and Matthew; grandchildren Jennifer, Alison, Caitlin, Lauryn, Rochelle, Fe and Lyss; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rochelle Schiller (d. 1981). The family suggests memorial contributions to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Foundation (Class of 1958 fund) or the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. A Celebration of Life will be held soon. Please check back for information.

Thomas Richard Schiller

February 14, 1936 - August 20, 2026