John Frank Schultz

John Frank Schultz

Feb. 12, 1921 – Apr. 17, 2021

Beloved Father, “Grampy” and Friend

Passed away peacefully with family at his side, on April 17, two months after celebrating his 100th birthday with family from all over the country (via Zoom).

John was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in St. Louis, MO, where he met Elizabeth Jeanne Schneider (Betty). They were married for 59 years before her passing on April 5, 2001. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was called to active duty in 1940 becoming a Naval Aviation Pilot First Class. He served on active duty in WWII from 1940 – 1945 and in the Korean War from 1952 – 1954, as a commissioned Naval Aviator. He retired with the rank of Commander from the Naval Reserve in 1972 after 32 years of service. His last assignment was as Commanding Officer – Naval Reserve Composite Group, Atlantic City, NJ.

Between his 2 tours of active duty, he worked as a legal auditor for the General Accounting Office and was the owner of a Display/Advertising business.  He had a distinguished career in the FAA, first as an Air Traffic Controller and then in R & D, helping to develop systems still in use today. He and Betty retired to Washington, VA where they lived from 1975 – 2001. During their years in Washington, VA, John volunteered at the Rappahannock County Library, ran an H&R Block Office for local senior citizens, and served with the Rappahannock Lions Club. He was a member of the Military Officers Association, The Silver Eagles Association of Navy Enlisted Pilots, The Fleet Reserve Association, and the Society of Airways Pioneers.

John remained in Rappahannock County until 2004 when he moved to Greenspring in Springfield, VA. He became an active part of the community, served on multiple committees, joined the American Legion Post, and served as a volunteer interpreter at Mount Vernon. He spent much of his time traveling and particularly enjoyed the educational travel programs where he met so many wonderful friends with whom he always stayed in touch. Whether you were family or friend, he made sure he kept the connection. He is survived by his three daughters: Donna D’Ottavio, Denise Hontz (Tom) and Alyson Sengstack (Steve) as well as 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on August 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA 20121. 

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