Thomas Ray Schulz

Thomas Ray Schulz, 86, passed away July 19th 2024 following an extended illness surrounded by loved ones at Concord Village Skilled Nursing, Concord Twp., OH. He was born on July 4, 1938, in Youngstown, Ohio. Tom grew up in Canfield, Ohio, and graduated from Canfield High School where he was a pole vaulter on the track team. After school he worked for Republic Steel until he tested into a training program with WT Grant Co. He met the love of his life, Alice A. Sandstrom on a blind date. The couple raised three children while Tom had a career as a store manager with WT Grant Co., Gold Circle and Forest City stores, which took their family to various cities in Western Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. He served in the Ohio National Guard for seven years. Mr. Schulz fulfilled a dream of becoming a business owner when he operated a Sparks Tune-up in Euclid. He went on to become a realtor in Lake County before retiring to spend many happy times with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether on Lake Erie in his boat or on family trips to Canada’s Georgian Bay, the long-time Mentor resident enjoyed spending time fishing. Most often, Tom could be found caring for his garden and berry bushes, providing vegetables for Alice to can and to share with their family. Once a month, he enjoyed an evening playing cards with friends. Tom was a dedicated, active member of the Willoughby Hills Covenant Church. Above all else, Tom was a family man who loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He treasured times like Christmas Eve and the big Fourth of July family birthday celebration when everyone would be together. “PaPa” enthusiastically attended as many baseball games, basketball games, track meets, cross country races, ice skating shows, football games, softball games, musical performances and church services as he could over the years. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Alice A. (Sandstrom) Schulz; children: Jeff (Martha) Schulz, Tim (Judy) Schulz and Sharon (Mike) McDonald; grandchildren: Jonathan (Lindsey) Schulz, Michael McDonald, Samantha (Dalton) Phillips, Stephen (Molly) Schulz, Stephanie (Donald) Davis, Alex (fiancé Tori Cardone) Schulz, and Jonah (Madison) Schulz; 12 great-grandchildren and his sister: Nancy Schulz. Preceding Tom in death are his parents: Aloysius A. and Sarah (Ray) Schulz; sister: SueEllen (Bill) Blasdell and daughter-in-law: Andrea Schulz. The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral service will be 10:00 am Thursday, July 25, 2024 at First Covenant Church, 29400 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092. Interment will be in Mentor Cemetery, Mentor, OH. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Thomas Ray Schulz

July 4, 1938 - July 19, 2024