Obituary for John Jeffrey Schuster
John J. Schuster, 76, of Bellefonte, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Centre Care surrounded by his family. Born on May 3, 1945, in Morristown, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Elsworth and Isabelle (England) Schuster. On September 1, 1972, he married his beloved wife, Nina L. (Hildebrandt) Schuster, who survives at home after sharing more than 49 years of marriage together.
John was a 1965 graduate of Bellefonte High School. After graduating flight school at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven, he went on to become Chief Pilot for Raytheon (formerly HRB-Singer) for 30 years until his retirement in 2008.
In addition to his wife, Nina, he is survived by his four children, Jennifer Schuster Curfman (Danny) of Spruce Creek, Jeff Fortney (Jackie) of Bellefonte, Jeff Schuster (Kristi) of Bellefonte, and Tim Fortney (Teresa) of Bellefonte, eight grandchildren: Ronni Gross (Walker) of Port Matilda, Tyler Warner of Philadelphia, Bryson Schuster (Jessica) of Pennsylvania Furnace, Matt Schuster (Katie) of South Carolina, Rylie “Rocky” Dann of Bellefonte, Trent Fortney of Elizabethtown, Cade Fortney of Bellefonte, and Braeden Fortney of Bellefonte, and one great grandchild, Ansel Gross of Port Matilda. Also surviving are his two sisters, Gretchen Lewis of South Carolina, and Stephanie Platt of Massachusetts.
John was a member of the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094 and the Bellefonte Moose Lodge #206. He was full of adventure and loved the outdoors, especially when he was able to golf, go hunting, fishing, and on camping trips. He also enjoyed restoring his prized Henry J and going to car shows. Family vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, and yearly trips to Florida, with Nina were his favorite times at the beach. His larger-than-life persona filled the room while socializing over drinks with friends and his huge smile was infectious. He leaves his loved ones with countless memories they’ll forever cherish and hold in their hearts. The number of lives that he touched is immeasurable. You will be forever missed. Fly High, Hawk!
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.
John was a 1965 graduate of Bellefonte High School. After graduating flight school at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven, he went on to become Chief Pilot for Raytheon (formerly HRB-Singer) for 30 years until his retirement in 2008.
In addition to his wife, Nina, he is survived by his four children, Jennifer Schuster Curfman (Danny) of Spruce Creek, Jeff Fortney (Jackie) of Bellefonte, Jeff Schuster (Kristi) of Bellefonte, and Tim Fortney (Teresa) of Bellefonte, eight grandchildren: Ronni Gross (Walker) of Port Matilda, Tyler Warner of Philadelphia, Bryson Schuster (Jessica) of Pennsylvania Furnace, Matt Schuster (Katie) of South Carolina, Rylie “Rocky” Dann of Bellefonte, Trent Fortney of Elizabethtown, Cade Fortney of Bellefonte, and Braeden Fortney of Bellefonte, and one great grandchild, Ansel Gross of Port Matilda. Also surviving are his two sisters, Gretchen Lewis of South Carolina, and Stephanie Platt of Massachusetts.
John was a member of the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094 and the Bellefonte Moose Lodge #206. He was full of adventure and loved the outdoors, especially when he was able to golf, go hunting, fishing, and on camping trips. He also enjoyed restoring his prized Henry J and going to car shows. Family vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, and yearly trips to Florida, with Nina were his favorite times at the beach. His larger-than-life persona filled the room while socializing over drinks with friends and his huge smile was infectious. He leaves his loved ones with countless memories they’ll forever cherish and hold in their hearts. The number of lives that he touched is immeasurable. You will be forever missed. Fly High, Hawk!
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.