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BORN
1970
DIED
2011
John-Eric Schuman Obituary
SAUGERTIES - John-Eric Peter Schuman, 40, currently of Saugerties and a longtime Rhinebeck resident, died suddenly on Friday, May 20th, 2011 at his home.
Born on October 15, 1970, in Huntington, NY, he was the son of the late Edward R. Schuman and Arlene (Olson) Schuman of Rhinebeck. John-Eric spent the first 15 years of his life in Centerport, NY.
John-Eric was the owner and operator of Cinematic Stunts. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. As a stunt coordinator he specialized in fight choreography, weapons/firearms,
precision driving and military consultation.
John-Eric was a seasoned boxer, martial artist, firearms specialist, stunt driver and motocross racer. John's over twenty-five years of training, military service, and education in filmmaking has cast himself as a leader in the field of stunts.
He was the only stunt coordinator to hold National Championship titles as a fighter and to be a US Special Operations Soldier. John-Eric is trained as a parachutist as well as in Helicopter Operations - including rappelling, stabo, helocasting and safety procedures.
John-Eric began his boxing career in 1979, his martial arts career in 1982 and he has been choreographing fight sequences for over 15 years. He has also studied acrobatics and high falls.
He served in the United States as a Army Ranger with Special Operations and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
In addition to his loving mother, he is survived by a sister; Kathryn Schuman of Clermont, two nephews; Peter and Padraic Orsulich of Clermont, and many friends.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 28th, 2011 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 371 Wurtemburg Rd., Rhinebeck, NY. The Reverend Mark D. Isaacs will officiate.
Friends may call at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wurtemburg Rd. Rhinebeck on Friday from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes 91 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY. For directions, or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.Burnett-White.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John-Eric Schuman
Gahan Haskins
May 19, 2025
John and I met working on a movie in 2004 in Hudson NY. We became friends and shared friendship and adventures together while worked together on various film jobs. He helped me with some big scouting for my ambitious movie project Riverboys. He was a good man. Since his passing I later changed a main character to reflect his passion and talent and hope to realize it soon. Here are picture of us together after when did aerial scouting in Pittsburgh and rock climbing in Connecticut. I would love to hear from any of John´s family and friends.
Feel free to email me at Producer at Aquamarmedia.com Gahan Haskins
Lance Dorsino
July 24, 2024
John was my battle buddy in basic and AIT. He boxed so we could go to any gym or mess hall at Ft. Gordon, it was great seeing the looks on the officers/senior NCOs faces seeing the two guys they were just busting balls with the night before standing in a formation as privates. He was a good man.
Hemant Chaturvedi
May 20, 2024
Always in my mind. A kind and generous man, and a thorough professional.
D.Mayer
May 19, 2023
Miss you and your friendship, your counsel and your humor every day.
Kathryn schuman
May 21, 2021
Noel Dowling
May 21, 2021
Miss you my friend ❤
Douglas Mayer
May 19, 2021
It's been 10 years, still keeping your memory and your Jeep alive. The kids and I talk about you all the time. Rest easy brother
D.Mayer
Kathryn
May 14, 2021
I will see you soon brother
Noel Dowling
May 19, 2020
Cant believe another year has come and gone without you with us. You wouldnt believe how grown up William, James and Casey are now, you would be so proud of them. We all miss you so much my friend. Till we see you again on the other side!
Love ya! Noey, Willie & William
Noel Dowling
May 24, 2019
Miss you my friend! ❤
With Joe James on a set in philly
May 19, 2019
Felicia Reyes
March 21, 2012
I worked with John as his realtor a few years ago. I recently found out about his passing. My deepest
condolences to his family. Though I only knew him during
our business transaction he seemed like a really nice guy.
This earth won't be the same without him. May he rest in peace.
Antonio Vega Jr
October 27, 2011
I just found out about the passing of John. I am shocked and saddened to learn of this. I met John at hofstra when he was my next door neighbor in the dorm. He was a good friend and a very smart and kind person with a good heart who always looked out for his friends. He never treated me any different because I was in wheelchair and have a disability. He always made sure I was doing ok and always was there with positive words when things would get frustrating for me. I am glad I got to know john at hofstra and was able to stay in touch with him all these years. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and love ones
September 3, 2011
I have worked with John on several projects in the past. I admired his total professionalism and we became quick friends. I found him very easy going and we used to have some good laughs. I would occasionally bust his chops and he was so cool he'd laugh and take it in stride. I will always be thankful to John for forwarding work to me when I needed it
Scott Paige
September 3, 2011
My deepest sympathies to John's family and friends. I recently found out about his passing. I have worked with John on several projects in the past. I admired his total professionalism and we became quick friends. I found him very easy going and we used to have some good laughs. I would occasionally bust his chops and he was so cool he'd laugh and take it in stride. I will always be thankful to John for forwarding work to me when I needed it
Scott Paige
September 3, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Johns family and friends, I recently found out about his passing. I have worked with John on several projects in the past. I admired his total professionalism and we became quick friends. I found him very easy going and we used to have some good laughs. I would occasionally bust his chops and he was so cool he'd laugh and take it in stride. I will always be thankful to John for forwarding work to me when I needed it
Scott Paige
September 3, 2011
I have worked with John on several projects in the past. I admired his total professionalism and we became quick friends. I found him very easy going and we used to have some good laughs. I would occasionally bust his chops and he was so cool he'd laugh and take it in stride. I will always be thankful to John for forwarding work to me when I needed it
I dug up this funny photo i took of him as we were racing down hempstead turnpike one day.
anthony vero
September 2, 2011
I went to Hofstra with John and remained pretty close with him for years after. He was the best - funny, kind, giving, sincere, smart, fearless, just an amazing person!!! We would laugh for hours about the most random things.
he will be greatly missed.
Hernandez, Jr. Jose
September 2, 2011
My sincerest condolences to John's family and friend's. I just found out today and was shocked to learn of his untimely passing. I met John on a film project I shot in Woodstock, N.Y. He was a great guy and my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in peace... -Jose Hernandez, Jr. Professional SAG / AFTRA Actor
kathy shumway
August 1, 2011
I wish I had connected to you sooner. I know someday or somewhere I shall see you. I miss you.
Andy Redmond
June 3, 2011
The film indusrty lost a kind, talented and able member. Many of us lost a true friend. Rest in peace, gentle warrior...
June 2, 2011
Rest in peace, Ranger.
RLTW
hemant chaturvedi
June 2, 2011
i remember him as the kindest most generous and soft human being. we met on a film shoot and bonded over my affection for his feisty black chihuahua, digger, and remained friends always. he tried t scare me once with a dose of stunt driving, but all i did was grin at him when it was over. wish i could grin at him right now...
June 2, 2011
May you rest in peace, Elda Viljoen from SOUTH AFRICA
christine babudri
June 1, 2011
we will miss you my friend!! love you..xoox christine babudri
Linde Aseltine
May 31, 2011
"Keep your chin up, soldier. That's what they used to say to us in the army when things got rough and so I'm saying it to you now." --JES
Jim McKinney
May 29, 2011
John and I roomed together on a film shoot in Rhode Island and we've been friends since. John was a generous friend - always more concerned about the other person's well-being than his own. He had a remarkable capacity for empathy and compassion.
I wish I could remember the name of John's friend who he took me to visit one fourth-of-july on Long Island, on our way back to the city from that job in Rhode Island. John loved that family's children like they were his own blood, and I remember the kids calling him "Uncle John." Everyone there made me feel welcome, and now after years of knowing him, it's no surprise that John's friends are generous and welcoming like he was.
I never met John's family, but I know that he loved them. He talked about his Mother and his sister and family often. I know that he also loved his dog.
There's no doubt that John was a tough guy - an expert kick-boxer and a former US Army Ranger, as well as a Stunt Man and weapons expert, John was skilled, but not violent. In fact, John had a well-defined sense of right-and-wrong and was a rare friend I could turn to for moral guidance, which I did more than once - knowing John would set me straight if I was heading down a wrong road. And he did. John was a friend who could correct you without lecturing you, and I don't know how he managed that, but he did, and that is invaluable in life.
John had a lot of great qualities, but the first thing I think of when I think of him is that he was a funny dude. John really liked to laugh and make people laugh and most of our friendship was spent joking around, and that I'll miss as much as anything.
John Schuman was a man who served his country in extraordinary ways, but didn't brag about it. He was a man who served his friends and family in extraordinary ways and didn't make a big deal out of that either. That is called humility, and I admire that about John and hope I can be more like him in that way.
I am just stunned that my friend is not here anymore. I'm sad for my own loss and can't even imagine the loss being felt by his family and those who were closest to him. I am praying for everyone who had those places in his life and I am so sorry for your grief and pain.
I believe that I will see John again. And when I do, I'm sure he'll crack a joke that'll put me right at ease.
John in Pittsburgh, Ohio River, scouting with me. 10-15-2008
Gahan Haskins
May 28, 2011
I first met John in 2004 on a film. We became friends right away and shared many good times together. He freely shared his world and interests with us. His passing leaves such a void. John was great guy. My wife, Christine, and I will miss him greatly.
All our love to you.
Meg & Jim Willey
May 27, 2011
My heart is heavy for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Such a full life for a young man. I am saddened that we were not closer through the years. You always think that there will be time to catch up. Know that I love you, Aunt Arlene, Kathy & children. I am grateful for the ties to the Schuman family.
Love Meg & Jim
Marni Rakow
May 27, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolances to you Kathy and your family. I extend prayers for peace and for a supportive hand as you remember good times, and as you face the difficult days to come. With sympathy,
Skye Parisi
May 27, 2011
From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a "long" and a "short" life. Therefore, it's not whether one's life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy--that is what matters........John enriched my life exponentially He was a Friend, My Kickboxing Trainer, and an all around good guy. My condolences to his friends and family. He made me a different man for the better. I will never forget and always honor him in my heart and mind. John may you rest peacefully and know that you have impacted my life as well as many others. Thank you for being the man you were.
Dan Kaelin
May 27, 2011
May you rest in peace John. Also my condolences to your family. You were a great friend and I loved you like a brother. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
May 27, 2011
Remembering the young lively boy and with you in our thoughts.
Love, Sonja & Bo
May 27, 2011
I worked on many films with John and got to spend a lot of time with him off the set. Not to sound selfish but my life will be a lot harder without John in it. I miss him greatly already. He had great compassion for unwanted animals and unwanted people and the world is a colder place without him in it. I miss you man. Joe James(New Windsor, NY)
Kellea Scagnelli
May 26, 2011
My deepest condolences to friends and family . . . he will be missed . . .
Noel Dowling
May 26, 2011
John, we will miss you terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for being such a good friend. You could always make me laugh and put a smile on my face when I was down. During the time you lived with us you we're so good to Casey, James and William and even after you moved out you would always come upstairs to visit Willie, William and I when you came to visit. Your coming down to help Willie and I pack the truck when we were moving meant so much to me and I'm just sorry I didn't get to tell you so. We had a lot of great times. Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you! You will always be in our hearts.
Luv Noey, Willie and William
Thomas Feeney
May 26, 2011
John was my friend; not the kind of friend one knows in passing or the kind of friend that is acknowledged only after a loss -- although if I had known him only fleetingly I would feel the same -- but a friend who made a deep and profound difference in my life and the lives of my children when he was with us. John’s refrigerator was decorated with drawings from my eight-year old son who saw John the way I did, as a man of honor, deep compassion and giving; a man one should aspire to emulate; a man I aspire to emulate. My son still speaks of “Mr. Schuman” with such reverence that I’m not sure how I can tell him of John’s passing without causing him the pain that I feel now, but I want my son to remember always what John meant to me and what he meant to him; I want him to celebrate the man John was the way I will, the way I do. Arlene, you raised one of the finest people I have ever known, and for that I will be forever thankful.
Lisa Padilla-Gil
May 26, 2011
I have had the privilege of working with John in the past nine months or so and send my deepest condolences to his mom and sister whom he talked about often. He was always kind and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I am sorry for your loss and am saddened by his sudden death. May you find comfort in your memories and may your memories keep him alive forever. God bless you, Lisa Gil
Marilyn Ronca
May 26, 2011
Dearest Arlene and Kathy, The spirit of your beloved son and brother will watch over you always. You are always welcome at our homes. God's blessings to all of your family. Love, Marilyn and Nicole
Denise Montalto
May 26, 2011
I have been friends with John since he moved in with Doug and Michelle across the street from me 15 years ago. John was one of the sweetest and most caring people I know. He will be forever missed, may you rest in peace John. Love Always, Denise xoxo
May 26, 2011
Although I have not been in touch with John for some time, I shared many days of laughter and good times with him. I will always treasure those memories.. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, his family and friends. Nicoletta Capone
Jon matthew olson
May 26, 2011
John eric, may you rest in peace. I am so glad to have known you, you will be missed, I love you man....
Douglas Mayer
May 26, 2011
I loved John like a brother for almost 30 years.Nothing will ever replace his love and friendship for my family. Our deepest sympathy for the Schuman family.
May 26, 2011
My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends. I knew John through his sister Kathy when living in Long Island. I'm amazed at all John accomplished in his short 40 years; he had success so many only dream of. May his family find strength and solace in his remarkable life and may he rest in peace.
Drew Olson
May 25, 2011
I am so sorry for the family's loss. Although it's been years since I had last seen John-Eric, he will be missed.
God Bless and rest in peace Cousin
Erika (Armet) Patregnani
May 25, 2011
My condolences to your family. I knew the Schumans as a child and remember John-Eric as a boy. I'm very sorry for your loss! Blessings.
Dawn Robinson-VanLeuvan
May 25, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time
Traci Rouse
May 25, 2011
I am sadden to her of a friend I once knew may you rest in peace, while I remember the good times we have shared. Rest in peace my friend.
Scott O
May 25, 2011
I just found out that he passed and I'm astonished and heartbroken! We were supposed to do some diving together this summer. My deepest sympothies go out and I am truely sorry for his loss.
Rangers Lead the Way! Sua Sponte!!
chris babudri
May 25, 2011
we will miss friend! love you......chris babudri
May 24, 2011
It is a very sad day today knowing that John has passed he was a terrific person and a great freind....I just saw him last mth and we were always in contact...his passing is very sad and he was taken way to young.....rest in peace.....Sharon DePew (Rhinecliff,N.Y.)
Michelle Babudri
May 24, 2011
I am very sad to hear of John's passing. He was a great friend and will be missed terribly. My deepest sympathy to the family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love
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