Name: Celebration of Life for Ronald J. Schultz
Start: 2023-02-15T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-15T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Dorothy B. Oven Park

On February 6, 2023 the world became a sadder place with the passing of Ronald J. Schultz.

He was born in Yonkers, New York on December 20, 1938 to first-generation Americans Joseph George Suizdak and Marie Havrilko Suizdak. His family would later adopt the Americanized surname of Schultz and moved their family to Clearwater Beach, where Joseph opened the Beach 5&10.

Ron was a skilled raconteur. He loved telling the story of proposing to Diann, his "Trophy Wife" of 56 years, while kissing her foot the moment he met her.

Professionally, Ron was a fighter. He started doing research at the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's office while working on the dissertation for his doctorate and decided he could do a better job. He ran for his first public office in 1976 as a Democrat and won. He was appointed by Gov. Ruben Askew to finish out his predecessor's term of office and was re-elected for three more terms.

He took those skills to Citrus County, where Gov. Bob Martinez appointed him to finish his predecessor's term and was elected three more times before retiring. Retirement did not suit Ron; he was elected to the Florida House as the Representative for District 43 where he served for three years. He was an honorable politician who truly worked for the good of the people and the environment. He passed his passion for public service on to both of his daughters.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Diann Griffin Schultz; his two daughters Kama Diann Schultz Monroe and Tera Kimberly Griffin; five grandchildren Kellen Griffin-Jay, Aidan Joseph Monroe, Rhiannon Griffin, Galen Alexander Monroe, and Tegan Alana Monroe; as well as a host of extended family members, professional associates, and friends who will remember him fondly.

Ron will be privately interred at Roselawn Cemetery. An event in his honor is being planned at Dorothy B. Oven Park of Tallahassee on February 15, 2023 from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to the National Parks Foundation at https://www.nationalparks.org.

Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citrus County Chronicle on Feb. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Schultz

6 Entries

Connie Martin Carter

February 23, 2023

My sincere condolences to Diann and family.
I met both Ron and Diann through politics in Citrus County many years ago and enjoyed their company whenever it was possible. Ron was just so intelligent and had such a wonderful sense of humor. He made us laugh wherever we got together. He will not be forgotten. It was my pleasure and honor to know him.
Connie Martin Carter
Citrus County

Peter Davis

February 13, 2023

Ron was a great mentor and boss. He was super smart, dedicated, supportive, enlightening, innovative and funny. I was just one of many folks hired in 1977 to work on a county reappraisal project. He stood out as a bold leader when it came to adopting new technology and set an example for others to follow in the mass appraisal industry. I have made it a priority to pass on his legacy to all my business associates. It was an honor to work for Ron and I will continue to think about him often.

Samuel G. McClelland III

February 12, 2023

Anita and I are very sorry for Ron's loss. There's too many memories to mention, just our gratitude for how Ron and Diann changed the arc of our lives for the better. Sending our love to the whole family.

Jo H.

February 11, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Schultz Family for the loss of your loved one, Ronald Joseph, and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength during this difficult time.

Les Cook

February 10, 2023

Ron made contributions in many areas and for many people. He was a family man, leader, problem solver and mentor. He was supportive of his work family and the issues life brought them. It was more than fun to work with him. It was an adventure. I am thankful for the many challenges and opportunities he gave me to grow and build a career. Prayers for God's blessing and peace to Diann and the Family.

Melanie Hensley

February 8, 2023

Ron will be sorely missed. He was a great teacher and mentor. He was funny and serious and so very intelligent. He brought much needed technology to the Citrus County Property Appraiser's office and I loved working with him. He always had my utmost respect. Much love to Diann and the family.

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