LeRoy G. Schultz 1934-2026

TRENTON, NY-LeRoy G. Schultz, Jr., 91, of Trenton, passed into the arms of the Lord on July 19, 2026, with his family by his side.

     LeRoy, known to family and friends as Roy, was born on November 11, 1934, in Utica, the son of the late LeRoy G. Schultz, Sr., and Helen (Baye) Schultz. He was raised and educated in Utica, graduated from Utica Free Academy, and later attended Oswego State University.

     On November 19, 1955, Roy was united in marriage to Mary Joanne Williamson. Together, they welcomed six sons, 17 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, and he took great pride in the family they created.

     Roy proudly served the people of New York as a New York State Trooper for more than 20 years. Trooper Schultz was known for his sharp instincts, unwavering commitment to public safety, and expertise as a respected firearms instructor. In December 1980, his quick thinking helped bring a major multi-state manhunt to a safe conclusion. After spotting a fugitive vehicle on the New York State Thruway, he single-handedly followed the suspects for four miles and successfully apprehended them. His professionalism and composure during the incident were later recognized in the landmark Massachusetts court case Commonwealth v. Currie (1983), a testament to the courage, dedication, and sense of duty that defined his career. After retiring from the New York State Police, he continued his career working with various law enforcement agencies in St. Louis, Missouri.

     Outside of his career, Roy enjoyed an active life and participated in many sports as a young man. He often joked that running was his main mode of transportation. He cherished time with his family and loved loading the kids into the car for road trips across the country, turning every journey into an adventure. His grandchildren will fondly remember the stories he shared, bringing the past to life with his humor, memory, and gift for storytelling.

     He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 70 years, Mary who sadly passed away 8 days after LeRoy; Also surviving are his sons, Mark (Lisa) Schultz, Kurt (Sharon) Schultz, Carl (Valerie) Schultz, Gary Schultz, and Roy (Mary Ellen) Schultz.

     He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Aaron (Anna) Schultz, Joshua Schultz, Kurt (Kathy) Schultz, Alexander (Bianca) Schultz, Brittany (Connor) O’Neill, Matthew (Pamela) Schultz, Bryan (Marissa) Schultz, Adam (Dzenita) Schultz, Erica Armitage, Spencer Schultz, Megan Schultz, Ryan (Allison) Schultz, Ashley (Matthew) Brooks, Rachel Schultz, Sara (Phil) Bailey, Kyle (Cmantha) Schultz, and Sydney Schultz; and 22 adored great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers, Carl (Cathy) Schultz and Lynde (Janice) Schultz as well as many nieces and nephews; and longtime friend Don Dylis.

     Roy was predeceased by his youngest son, Paul Schultz, and his beloved daughter-in-law, Sharon Schultz.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to LeRoy and Mary’s memorial mass of the Christian burial on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of Mass. LeRoy and Mary will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Utica.

     The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the physicians, nurses and staff of Wynn Hospital and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care shown to Roy and his family.

     In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Scholarship Fund, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or your favorite charity. Envelopes will be available at the church.

     Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service Inc. North, Utica.