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William Schuchardt Obituary
Nov 24, 1947 - Feb 4, 2026
Williamsville, NY
Alzheimer's came for our father in 2020, taking him from us piece by piece, memory by memory, over the course of too many years.
Born in St. Augustine, Florida, Billy grew up in Wyoming, Ohio, where his parents, Bill and Rusty, owned Mayfair Ice Cream. A graduate of Wyoming High School, Yale University - Davenport College, and Case Western Reserve University. He met our mother in Cleveland, and they started our family there before settling in Sandusky, where he had a longstanding general surgery practice. His famous phrase, "Way to go, hell of a job," was emblazoned on a coffee mug as a parting gift from his colleagues in Sandusky. He finished his career as Chief of Surgery at the VA Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania.
We grew up sailing Stardust on Lake Erie with him, hanging our legs over the side, never forgetting his number one rule, "One hand for you and one for the boat." A loving but tough dad with often outsized expectations, Alzheimer's softened him - the one thing the disease gave us, in exchange for taking absolutely everything else.
He retired to Buffalo, where he loved walking to the lake and standing on the shore, which had been a constant companion for most of his life as he moved from Cleveland to Sandusky, then Erie, and finally Buffalo.
He loved his kids, Key West, Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia, and pink flamingos in the yard. We miss him dearly, but are relieved his days of "just plugging along" are over.
Bill is survived by his sister, Barbara; his children, Matt and Stephanie, Gwen, Emily and Mike, and Ted and Alisha.
A private family service will take place when the lake thaws.
In lieu of flowers, have a margarita. Hug your loved ones and ask them all the questions, the important ones, the mundane ones, the silly ones, every last one you can think of, before there are no longer answers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Schuchardt
Steve roshon
February 18, 2026
Matt, Emily, and Ted and families. You wrote a beautiful obituary. Some of my fondest medical memories involve Bill. Always the logical thinker and excellent surgeon. Even excelled at administration through vantage health plan and the VA. Please accept the Roshon family´s deepest condolences.
Deb Perrin
February 18, 2026
I worked many years with Dr. Schuchart in Sandusky, Ohio. He was an excellent surgeon and cared greatly about his patience. I was honored to learn things from him. God bless your father/family member and may your memories with him give you peace.
Thomas Williamson MD
February 17, 2026
Bill was a friend and colleague In Sandusky where we both practiced medicine. In 2000 when I developed a problem that needed surgery, I met with him and asked who should do it. Without any hesitation, he answered, "I should!". He took great care of me! When he announced his move to Erie PA, he sent me a letter thanking me for all my referrals and trust in him over the years.... What a great man he was. He was truly loved by his patients, myself included. I am sorry for your loss and the struggles you had as a family as the Altzheimer´s consumed him..
Jeanie (DeHenning) Feagan
February 17, 2026
I had the privilege of working in Dr. Schuchardt´s Sandusky office for five years. He was so much more than a boss to me. He was incredibly brilliant and had a wit that could brighten any day. Most importantly, he was a compassionate soul who helped me through some of my toughest personal moments. Dr. Schuchardt didn't just care for his patients; he truly cared for those of us lucky enough to work alongside him. My heart goes out to his family. I´ll be raising a margarita to him!
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Cindy (Fitzthum) Adymy
February 16, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked in the OR at Providence Hospital with your dad. He was a great surgeon and I have so many wonderful memories of him.
Chris Rosino
February 16, 2026
Mathew, Emily and Ted.... This is a beautiful tribute to your dad. Sending hugs from the Rosino family.
Diana Mullens, RT, R, MR
February 15, 2026
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I was a patient of his and had worked with him in the OR, and when he´d come to CT to see how his patients were doing. Great surgeon and he always had his patients´ best interests first and foremost. He will be so missed. Know that the Sandusky, Ohio area was blessed to have him practicing here.
Farid Said
February 15, 2026
great surgeon we have lost, may He rest in peace and in heaven .Farid Said .
Michelle M Reardon
February 14, 2026
To the family, especially the children, you have my deepest and sincere sympathy. I worked with your dad for several years at Prov and Good Sam. He was unique but a damn good doctor. So very sorry for your loss.
D M Swayngim MD
February 14, 2026
This is Dr Dee Swayngim, I was a vascular surgeon with Bill for many years at Firelands. I came there one year after Bill. I trained at Yale and Case Western. He was the best surgeon I ever met , hands down anywhere. Also the smartest doctor I ever met. The world will miss him. So sorry for your loss.
Toni Appell
February 14, 2026
I remember working at Good Samaritan Hosp as an ER nurse back in the 60´s with your dad and he certainly was an awesome surgeon!! My condolences to your family !!
Donna Luttman, RN
February 14, 2026
Worked w/Dr Schuchardt in OR at Firelands Hospital. His patients loved him & the nurses learned how to tolerate him. He demanded excellence & no exceptions were given. Condolences to the family on your loss. May he rest peacefully now
Pam Roggeman RN
February 14, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss. Many great memories of working with Dr. Schuchardt.
Dena Poe Jacobs
February 14, 2026
I'm a retired RN from Providence Hospital in Sandusky. I worked in ICU, and have many memories of your Dad...
He was very conscientious about his surgical patients, especially the ones we cared for in Intensive Care.
And yes, he could be tough on us nurses, but his focus was always his patient.
And if I had ever needed surgery, he is who I would want as my surgeon.
This is one of the most heartfelt obituaries I have ever read...love to you all.
Dena Poe Jacobs, RN
MaryLou
February 14, 2026
He treated my Mom back in 1995 in Sandusky. Best dr ever. She was 87 & had cancer. He kept me, layperson, up to all the info. Sorry to hear he's passed. My true condolences
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