George Schuler

George Schuler, much loved husband, father, father-in-law, Gramsfather, younger brother, uncle, professor, educational psychologist, camp counselor, and supportive friend to many, passed away at home on September 7, 2024 in Ithaca, New York, following complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

George was born to Helen (Rebhun) and Benjamin Schuler, and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., where he enjoyed a childhood of stick ball, being part of his mother’s large extended family – an energetic “cousins club” – and the Boy Scouts. George received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Education degrees from The City College of New York in 1957 and 1961 respectively. He worked as a counselor at children’s summer camps in his 20’s, most notably at Camp Exton (by the Lake) in Staatsburgh and then Schultzville, N.Y., where he made life-long friends and became known as Chuck. The camp name was bestowed because of another counselor named George; the choice of “Chuck” is a mystery. Campers (now in their 70’s) affectionately refer to him as Uncle Chuck to this day. To his wife he was George or Honey. Dad or daddy to his children. Gramsfather to his granddaughter.

It was Bob Exton, the owner of the camp, who introduced George to Nancy Bell, a recreational therapist from Eastchester, N.Y.. Bob convinced Nancy to join the staff at Camp Exton in the summer of 1965. George and Nancy dated off-and-on that summer. George returned to City College that fall as a teaching assistant and crossed paths with Mollie Bell, a formidable woman destined to be his mother-in-law. Mollie was attending continuing education courses as a New York City public school teacher and guidance counselor. George and Nancy married in 1966 and moved to Ithaca, N.Y., where George completed his PhD in Psychology from Cornell University. Daughter Madeline was born in 1969 and son Joshua in 1974. 

George’s entire academic career was at Ithaca College, where he specialized in developmental and educational psychology. He was chair of the psychology department in the 1980’s through the late 1990’s. He enjoyed teaching and mentoring students and colleagues, and kept what can only described as a desk worthy of a geology midterm. He was proud of the work he did for the construction of the new Center for Natural Sciences building, making sure faculty and staff’s desires were reflected in the design and implemented. George stood up for and supported his colleagues and friends during professional controversy and personal life challenges; George was a feminist. He retired from IC in 2001 and received emeritus in 2011. He remained in touch with students and other former faculty as a regular at the Robert R Colbert Wellness Clinic and happily volunteered to help physical therapy students practice working with patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

George worked for several organizations alongside teaching, including BOCES, George Junior Republic, and the Tompkins County Mental Health Department. He also launched and ran a private practice focused on adolescents. “Stamping out mental illness” was what he affectionately called his chosen profession. 

George advised and served on the boards of many youth-centric organizations in Ithaca, including Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca and on the Ithaca High School Site-Based Shared Decision-Making Council. He was an active member of City Club.

George had a dry and playful sense of humor and a twinkle in his hazel (no, not brown) eyes; he loved a good gin martini, Cornell Hockey, and the Yankees. He enjoyed watching baseball on TV with his granddaughter, playing checkers with her, and going outside to see her play basketball at the nearby hoop.

George’s family is grateful for the heartfelt care he received the last few years from home health aides including Everette, Elsa, and Marjorie, is appreciative of the attention from the 3rd and 4th floor care teams at Cayuga Medical Center this past August, and thankful for the support and guidance provided by Hospicare & Palliative Care Services.

George is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Madeline Young (Kenn), son Joshua (Amanda), granddaughter Cora Mollie, older sister Caryl Sundland, nieces Barbara (Jerry) and Susan (Bob), and nephew Barry.

Donations in George’s honor may be made to Family and Children’s Service of Ithaca. 

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