William “Doc” Schultz
Berlin

William “Doc” Schultz died unexpectedly on July 13, surrounded by family, at Tidal Health in Salisbury. While his unexpected passing followed years of toughing out the effects of diabetes and cancer, Doc maintained his signature humor and stubborn resilience to the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Schultz, and his two older sisters. Doc leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Irene; his younger brother, Robert (and partner Laurent); and his three beloved children and their spouses, Kirsten (Aaron) Miller, Adam (Diana) Schultz, and Evan (Jillian) Schultz. He was a proud grandfather to Olivia, Viviana, Tyler, Jacqueline Brink, and Julee Miller — not to mention a whole pack of adored furry grandbabies.

Doc’s joyful energy will also be dearly missed by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and countless friends who were lucky enough to be a part of his life.

Born on Dec. 10, 1949, in Jersey City, Doc had a natural sense of adventure and curiosity. After graduating from Snyder High School, he earned his degree at Rutgers University, Newark, in 1971, and pursued further studies at Seton Hall University while dutifully serving in the Army National Guard. Driven by a lifelong passion for animal care, Doc took his studies global, graduating with honors from the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Nainital, India, with his veterinary degree.

In 1982, Doc and Irene put down roots in Maryland, where he purchased the Berlin Animal Hospital and became a pillar of the community. Though he sold the practice in 2000 with grand plans to “retire,” Doc quickly proved he was terrible at sitting still. Bounded by boredom and a devotion to animals, he spent years filling in for fellow vets across the Eastern Shore, practicing via Schultz Veterinary Services house calls, and offering vital care, spays, and neuters at the Wicomico Humane Society.

Doc’s heart belonged to animals—with one strict, non-negotiable exception: snakes. Channeling his inner Indiana Jones, Doc was famous for loudly declaring, “I hate snakes!”

Doc dabbled in everything from tending fruit trees, winemaking, and gardening to beekeeping, tilapia farming, and crafting legendary batches of pancakes. When he wasn’t masterminding his next hobby, Doc could be found reading books, cheering on the Shorebirds, catching football games, traveling for spring training camps, escaping to Atlantic City, or heading out on fishing trips. Above all, he loved sharing a great meal with friends—especially if it involved Indian food.

Doc was a lifelong prankster who believed laughter was the best medicine. He delighted in pulling harmless jokes, brightening up any room he walked into, and reminding everyone around him to live by his favorite motto: “Have fun.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ashore Hotel in Ocean City, on Saturday, October 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made in Doc’s memory to the Wicomico Humane Society, 5130 Citation Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21804.