Obituary of William E. Schultz

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, William Schultz, at 96 years young.  He was a loving son to his parents, Frederick and Elisabeth (Fink) Schultz, and a good brother to his siblings Fred and Mary, deceased.  He was a devoted husband for over 50 years to his late wife Shirley (Casali) and a great dad to Carol (Bob) Eckert and Lynn (Steve) Sottile.  He leaves behind many friends who will miss him dearly.

He owned and operated Maple Super Service which later became Spruce Street Mobile until his retirement in 1982.  With his free time, he and Shirley traveled to Florida in the winter months to visit friends. A boater since the late 50’s, he and Shirley enjoyed many summers living on their boat while Bill worked at his dream job at Paynes Dock on Block Island.

After Shirley passed, Bill became affectionately known as the unofficial “mayor of Main Street”, patronizing local restaurants both there and other areas of Manchester, meeting up with friends for a chat.  He enjoyed daily strolls on Main Street and attended many downtown events and activities including the Memorial Day Parade and the Road Race, and was a fixture at Cruisin on Main. Bill enjoyed all UCONN sports, and visiting friends, whether at their homes, in nursing homes, or in hospitals.  He was quite the social man.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and you’d be a friend for life and your phone number entered into his black book.

He enjoyed socially-distanced visits at home with his neighbors, and regularly reached out by phone to his friends far and wide.

Carol and Lynn would like to thank all who supported them during this difficult time.  Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all of you.  Special thanks to dad’s aide, Esther, who gave him exceptional care, his neighbors and friends who were always there at the drop of a hat.  You know who you are.  Our deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff on 2E and the VNHSC hospice team.  Special thanks also to John Mitchum for his many visits.  You touched our hearts with your loving care.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 22 at St. James Church, 896 Main Street at 11:00a, followed by burial in St. James Cemetery, 368 Broad Street, Manchester.  Please go directly to the church.  Family and friends may call at John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester, CT on Thursday,  January 21, from 3-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040 or The Sculpture Project, c/o Manchester Historical Society, 175 Pine St., Manchester, CT 06040.  For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.