Central New York lost a beloved member of its music community on Saturday, November 29, with the passing of Steve Schad. He was 72.
A native of CNY, Schad graduated from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in 1972. His music career began in 1978, when he first learned the keyboards. His playing would later lead him to join United Booty Foundation, the Syracuse disco-funk band that celebrated its 30th anniversary this past October. In 2003, Schad formed Childhood’s End, a tribute to Pink Floyd, which later evolved into Radio Floyd.
Schad’s contributions to the music scene extended far beyond performing. Over the last five decades, he perfected sound and lighting for Central New York bands including Mere Mortals, Gold Dust Gypsies, What About Bob, and New Day.
He continued to shape the local music community with the creation of his own recording studio—Studio 106—where he helped curate and refine the sounds of artists such as Jess Novak, Ashley Cox, and many others.
In 2024, Schad achieved one of his highest honors when he was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame. Surrounded by friends, family members, and fellow musicians, Schad stood humbly as his remarkable career was celebrated.
An outpouring of support was evident through social media in the days following his death, a testament to the countless lives he touched both personally and professionally. Steve Schad’s influence will continue to echo through every band, artist, and venue shaped by his work.
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