Final Salute

Devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Navy Veteran
Leo A. Schultz, 98, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Rahway Hospital in Rahway. Born in Astoria, New York, and formerly of Garwood, he was a longtime resident of Cranford.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Monday, 2/5, from 3-8 pm at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West in Cranford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church, Cranford. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.

Mr. Schultz attended Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, where he was a star basketball player. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a signal man directing ships into and out of ports in Newfoundland. He was later transferred to California, where he was set to begin specialized training as a Seabee. He was an avid bowler, and as a former Cranford Police officer, he also enjoyed playing baseball with the police department’s league. He worked professionally as a manager for various oil companies along the NJ Turnpike. He was an active member of the Cranford Senior Citizens Club, where he served as President for 17 years until his retirement in January.

He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine; his daughter, Eleanor Ugarte; and his infant daughter, Maryanne.

Surviving are his devoted daughter, Kathleen Schultz; two devoted grandchildren, Al and Catherine Ugarte; three beloved great-grandchildren, Dana, Anya, and Donovan Ugarte; his sister-in-law Pat; his brother-in-law Michael and his wife Barbara; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lucy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Cranford Family Care, or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Published by The Star-Ledger from Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 2024.