By Elizabeth Lowe
elowe@CatholicReview.org
Deacon Joseph L. Schultz, a longtime deacon at St. Anthony of Padua/Most Precious Blood in Gardenville, died Aug. 4. He was 80.
Born in 1934 in Baltimore, Deacon Schultz worshipped at the former St. Michael the Archangel in Fells Point.
Following his diaconate ordination in 1972, Deacon Schultz served at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville for a decade until he was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua in 1982. Thirteen years later, it was twinned with Most Precious Blood.
Deacon Joseph C. Krysiak, who had served with Deacon Schultz at St. Anthony of Padua/Most Precious Blood since 1996, described his friend and fellow deacon as dedicated to his ministry.
“He never sent his letter of retirement in,” said Deacon Krysiak, who noted Deacon Schultz stopped active ministry last December due to health reasons. “It was a real fulfillment for him.”
Deacon Krysiak described Deacon Schultz as “gregarious” and said he was “beloved” at the parish.
“He was late for Mass, sometimes, because he was greeting people,” Deacon Krysiak said. “He had to say hello to all the folks and all the folks loved for him to say hello.”
Deacon Krysiak said Deacon Schultz will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing and caring nature, as well as his preaching.
“He taught me a lot and he was extremely dedicated,” Deacon Krysiak said.
Deacon Schultz is survived by his wife, a daughter and four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by another daughter, Stacey Gerlach.
A viewing is scheduled for Aug. 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Leonard J. Ruck Funeral Home, Inc. in Baltimore and 7-9 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua/Most Precious Blood, followed by a wake service at 8 p.m.
Another viewing is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. Aug. 8 at St. Anthony of Padua/Most Precious Blood, followed by the funeral Mass, which will be offered at 11 a.m.
Donations may be made to St. Anthony of Padua/Most Precious Blood or St. Jude Shrine in Baltimore.
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