Victor SHUL

SHUL, Victor

of St. Petersburg, peacefully passed on June 20, 2015 into the arms of the Lord he worshipped and, as he so deeply desired, reunited with his beloved wife. Born in Clifton, NJ in 1919, Victor is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 67 years, Blanche, and his beloved eldest son, Victor. He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Shul of Castle Pines, CO, and son, Brian Shul, of Marysville,CA, as well as two brothers, Mike and Rudy. Victor and Blanche Shul settled in St. Petersburg in 1970 after his retirement from 33 years of service in the Marine Corps. A veteran of WW II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam, Victor served as director of the Marine Corps band during which time he taught himself to play every instrument proficiently and exceptionally.

A few years after settling in St. Petersburg, Victor established a music department at Admiral Farragut Academy where he taught for 11 years. His dedicated work there was celebrated in May of this year when Admiral Farragut Academy honored him by establishing the Victor Shul Award, to be presented to the top students every year. Victor was also director of the St. Petersburg City Sunshine Band, Shriner's Band and a member of The New Yorkers, a local dance band for many years at the Coliseum. Up until a year ago, Victor was still involved with his musical instrument repair business, recognized worldwide for the meticulous craftsmanship he excelled at in repairing instruments unlike anyone else. Those fortunate to know him through this aspect of his life remember well his intricate workshop in the garage, the conversations that went deep, and his wife joining in the fun and dancing when the music started.

A man of deep and real faith, Victor's life was his testimony to everyone he knew and met. It is telling of the man that those who served with him in the Marines and the students he taught music to, all give tremendous examples of how he impacted their lives, values and faith, never mentioning the music. Music is what he did professionally. Being a man of deep faith, compassion and high moral integrity is who he was and how he will be remembered.

Beyond all his renowned achievements was the deep and abiding love he had for his wife of 67 years, Blanche, and his devotion and steadfast care for her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and then pancreatic cancer. He was the epitome come to life of love, family, faith and service. To come in contact with him was to discard asking what you expected from life and to search for every opportunity to use your talents and gifts to make the world a different, better place. And that he did. He was a husband, father, brother, son and in every sense of the word, a true hero with a genuine humility that would never have him talking about himself. He leaves a void in the lives of those who loved him that can never be filled.

A viewing will be held Monday, June 29, 5 pm to 7 pm at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home located at 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King Street North, St. Petersburg, FL. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 30, 10 am at same location, followed by interment at Sarasota National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Blanche. In lieu of flowers donations in Victor's memory may be made to Suncoast Hospice at www.thehospicefoundation.org. Please visit the family's personalized online guestbook at: www.andersonmcqueen.com