Theodore Emmanuel Schulz

Theodore Emmanuel Schulz, age 99, resident of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, February 17, 2024, which was just two months short of celebrating his 100th birthday.

He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 16, 1924, the youngest son of four children, to the late Emil and Anastasia (Kerner) Schulz.

Upon graduation from Tech Memorial High School in 1942, Ted served in the United States Navy from January 21, 1943 to February 8, 1946 as a Motor Machinist's Mate 3rd class. He served aboard the U.S.S. Fiske DE-143 during World War II. The U.S. Navy recognized Ted for his honorable service and awarded him a Purple Heart on August 2, 1944 for the injuries sustained on the destroyer escort that was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Ted was also awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal. American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was proud to have served his country well.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, he was then employed at Bucyrus-Erie & Lee Taylor Construction of Erie, Pennsylvania. One of Ted's life-long dreams was to own his own business. This dream came to fruition when Ted, along with his wife, Carolyn were able to purchase Kearsarge Beer Distributor in 1952. Ted was an avid volunteer within his local community. He volunteered with the fire department serving as the daytime Fire Chief 2 at Kearsarge Fire Department. He also volunteered with the Kearsarge Lions Club which supported local childrens charities. As a child, Ted was a paper boy, which ultimately led him to volunteer with the Erie Times Old Newsies in his adulthood.

After selling the family business, Kearsarge Beer, Ted moved his family to Port Charlotte, Florida to start a new chapter of his life. He continued to work for the next seven years in Charlotte County. He drove a bus that transported senior citizens around the local community. He officially retired in May 1988. He then enjoyed the next thirty six years traveling, spending time with family and cheering on his all time favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ted is survived by four children; Pamela (late Robert) Zelenak, Gary (Dianne) Schulz, Jacqueline (John) Yetman and Karen (late Ronald) Hall. He is survived by son-in-law; Mike Warren. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Cheryl (Michael) Tunstall, David Clausen, Christine Zelenak, and Kayla Hall. He is also survived by numerous great and great-great grandchildren. Ted's beloved family adored all of the many special moments that they shared with him and will cherish the memories forever.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son; Carl, his first wife; Carolyn (Dunsford) of forty two years, his brothers; Emil, David, and Robert, his grandchildren; Kristen (Wagner), and Joshua Yetman, his oldest daughter; Jeanne (Warren), and his second wife; Emily (Corno) of twenty eight years.

Please join us for a memorial service celebrating the life of Ted at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Erie on June 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow with full military honors at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial tributes be made in his honor to Disabled American Veterans 82 1441Tamiami Trail Suite 349 Port Charlotte, Fl 33948 or The Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania, 2545 West 26th Street, Erie, Pa 16506.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all of Ted's caregivers to include Pete of the Disabled Veterans Association 82, Michele & Lauren of Athena Wound Care and Coleen & Dorothy of Sunrise Home Health.