Obituary of William H. Schutz

William (Schutzie, Dutch, Bill) Schutz, a lifelong resident and local electrician, passed away on December 31, 2023 at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with cancer. His last 9 months were spent surrounded by family and friends who will continue to honor him by living their lives to the fullest with the same love, kindness, and courage he possessed.

Schutzie was a kind, caring, compassionate, and empathic person. He was everyone’s friend but for most he was family, a brother. He accepted people for who they are and never uttered a bad word about anyone. If you needed a shoulder to cry on, he was always available. If you needed someone to talk to, he listened intently. If you needed advice, he would help you find the answers you sought. If you needed a place to live, he always had an extra bed. His home was always open and everyone was welcomed. Schutzie’s kindness was pure and he never asked for or expected anything in return. Schutzie was generous with the words ``I love you” and he meant them with his whole heart.

A perfect day for Schutzie was watching his grandson Lukas (his pride and joy) play ball followed by a bar-b-que, listening to the Yankees while his grandkids and dogs ran about the yard, enjoying conversations with his kids and family and friends.

When faced with the biggest battle of his life, Schutzie had one request. He said, “Donna, please put me in the yard every day and then just remember to bring me in at night.” A fairly simple request and I never could have imagined what I witnessed as a result. It was so truly amazing I often felt as if I was watching a miracle unfold. Avina Celeste said, “The love you send into the world, you will find, is the love that returns to you.” I was a witness to karma in its full glory.

As he sat in the yard, his friends started to come. Friends that he had since he was a little boy in West End and throughout his school years. What started as a few grew to over 20 and every week for 9 months they had Pot Luck Thursday (his favorite day of the week). Then there were Hash Brown Tuesdays and the days in between were filled with family, dear friends, and wonderful neighbors. Sometimes they stopped for a quick talk and sometimes sat for hours. People gave him food, desserts, and treats from his favorite store in Port Jervis. He appreciated everything. For 9 months he was able to sit in the yard and not for one minute of it was he alone. I did remember to bring him in at night and he always had a huge smile and a story to share. A simple request turned into him having one of the best summers of his life. What could have been 9 months of darkness instead was 9 months filled with love and smiles. A man who loved everyone received all that love back when he needed it the most. For that, I am forever grateful and will never forget everyone’s support and love.

William was predeceased by his parents Hank and Betty Schutz and his nephew Jeffrey Morgan.

He is survived by his wife Donna, the woman who was lucky and grateful to call him her husband.
His children who filled him with pride everyday: Billy Schutz, Louie and Jessica Puopolo, Cory Puopolo, Nancilee and Christopher Sorensen, Jason and Teena Rondinelli.  The brightest sparkle in his eyes and biggest smile in his heart, his grandchildren: Lukas Schutz, Tyrie Best, Elias McGovern, Lia Puopolo, Chase Sorensen, Cayden Rondinelli, Lou Puopolo and Couper Sorensen. His siblings: Gary and Jane Morgan, Harold and Karla Morgan, and Jon Schutz. His father-in-law Richard Zabowski and his brother-in-law Richard Zabowski and his wife Barb. His best man, friend, favorite cousin John Bogach. The little girl who stole a piece of his heart many years ago: Lizzie Biccum. The Thursday Crew. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews who he loved immensely. Family and friends who he loved and cherished always.  He was an amazing man who will be dearly missed everyday.

Services are private at this time.  Cremation was held at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford. 

Please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com and take advantage of the Tribute Wall by leaving a memory or condolence for the family.  Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home 154 East Main Street Port Jervis NY 12771.  

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