Herman V. Schuler

1935 - 2010

Herm Schuler passed away peacefully at Los Robles Hospital surrounded by his family on Oct. 10, 2010. He died from complications from a stroke he suffered on October 3. He also lived with Alzheimer's disease for 10 years. He was 75 years old.

Herm was born in Canton, Ohio on March 25, 1935 to Alma E. Pucci and Herman V. Schuler, Sr. He moved to California in 1945 and later attended Venice High School where he met many of his lifelong friends with whom he continued relationships throughout his life. He went to San Fernando Junior College and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He worked in construction before joining the Los Angeles City Fire Department where he served for 31 years. He retired as a Captain at station 99.

He met his wife, Mary "Jo" (McAllister), on a blind date through mutual friends. They were married at her parent's home in Duarte, Calif., in 1961. He was lovingly married to his wife for 49 years and raised three wonderful daughters. They built a wonderful life together in Thousand Oaks.

In 1974, Herm used his carpentry skills to build their dream home in the Lynn Ranch community of Thousand Oaks. Along with the beautiful home that he built, he and his wife shared a passion of landscape gardening. His family was the center of his life and he truly enjoyed the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends. He was fortunate that his family lived nearby and was able to spend many holidays and everyday celebrations together.

Family vacations were spent water skiing with their boat and snow skiing in the winter at their cabin home in the Sierras. While the kids were young they took many adventurous motor home trips. He had many other passions throughout his life including: love of music, biking, woodworking, tennis, golf, bowling and the family dog. After retirement, he and Jo traveled throughout the world. He had a great sense of humor and "told it like it was."

He was a caring and loving person and sensitive to others, loved his music and really loved to dance with his wife. He and his brother, Lenny, had a devoted relationship and would often spend time together. Jo's brother and family were also a big part of his life. Three days before his stroke, he and his wife celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. The trip was a wonderful gift. They were extraordinary partners in life and the memories will be there forever. Herm touched many lives and was loved by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Herman is survived by his wife, Jo; daughter, September Silver, and son-in-law, Chris Silver of Moorpark; daughter, Sharmaine Pollock, and son-in-law, Kevin Pollock of Moorpark; daughter, Synthia Given, and son-in-law, Geoff Given of Pacific Palisades; and seven grandchildren: Brittney, Kameron, Sean, Colin, Ryan, Carlie and Harper.

A favorite quote: "I did it my way" by Frank Sinatra (his favorite singer).

A "Celebration of Life" will be held for family and friends soon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association 80 N. Wood Rd. Ste. 302 Camarillo, CA 93010 805-484-6028