Ralph Clarence Schultz, 92, entered eternal rest to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on September 24, 2024 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. Ralph’s life was built around his love of Christ, music, and his family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy R. Schultz, nee Nickel, and was loving father to his 6 children, who blessed him with 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. They include Deborah (Kevin) Cook – Matthew, (Patrick Sammon), Jennifer, Amy (Andy) Munn – Henry, Jack and Charlie. Timothy (Deanne) – Stephanie, Karin (Mark) Brashears, Laura (Matthew) Merrick – Madelyn, Nathan and Noah. David (Michelle) – Steven (Lora), Caitlin (Elijah) Martin, Emma. Jonathan (Juliana) – Ben and Jacob. Michael (Erika) – Tyler, Alyson, and Lyndsie. Their eldest son, Steven, entered his eternal rest in 1985.
Ralph’s life as a musician and educator included earning degrees from Concordia University, River Forest IL, and the Cleveland Institute of Music, culminating with a Sacred Music Doctorate from Union Theological Seminary in NYC. After serving seven years as a teacher and musician at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ralph accepted a call to Concordia College in Bronxville NY, where he served for 37 years as Music Professor, Choir Director and President. In those roles and as a man who lived his faith, he positively impacted the lives of many people. While in Bronxville, Ralph was also a member of the Bronxville School Board and Bronxville Rotary and served as Minister of Music at Village Lutheran Church.
Upon his retirement from Concordia College in 1998, Ralph and Dorothy relocated to Slingerlands NY where they became active and cherished members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar. As a prolific composer of choral, instrumental, and orchestral works and with a passion for sacred music, Ralph founded the Jubilate Singers and Orchestra. This choir performed 20 annual concerts of praise in the Capital Region, the culmination of more than 70 years of inspiring others to Sing for Joy!
Visitation will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue, Delmar, NY on Friday, October 4 from 4 to 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 5 at the Church. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Capital City Rescue Mission.
