Jackson R Schetler

Jackson R Schetler

For Jack, quality meant doing it right, even when no one was looking. He took pride in every task he set out to accomplish. Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps he spent much of his youth working as a mason. Much of his work can still be seen in his hometown of Riverside including the home he built for his family. The house he built for his grandparents in Beach Haven was so well constructed that, all these years later, not even Hurricane Sandy could damage it. He brought this same dedication to the Army Air Corps during WWII. While flying his P-38 on countless missions over southern Europe, he not only earned the thanks of a grateful nation, but he developed a love for all things aircraft. It was only fitting that he became an air traffic controller at Philadelphia International Airport. He enjoyed a long association with his compatriots in the American Legion and the VFW. Even after he retired he never slowed down. He could often be found using his woodworking skills to make, from scratch, everything from Christmas gifts to a scale model of Noah’s Ark to sharing the building of a beautiful sun room with his son, doing oil painting, reading everything novel that came his way or just enjoying some time in Beach Haven.rnJack was predeceased by his parents Rueben and Mabel Schetler and his son Bob. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Doris (Hartman) of Riverside, his son Bill (Bernadette) of Yardley, PA, his grandchildren: Melanie Ziegler, Caroline Cochrane (Frank), April Schetler, William Schetler, Jr. (Stephanie) and Rebecca Harkness (Brian); and his great-grandsons Josh and Ryan. He is also survived by his longtime friend Harry Buzzard, who, along with his family, was at Jack’s side in his last moments. rn Come celebrate Jack’s 89 wonderful years (June 14, 1923-February 9, 2013) Wednesday from 6-8 PM and Thursday from 10-11 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. The service will follow at 11:30 AM at the First Moravian Church, Riverside. Interment will be at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the First Moravian Church 400 Bridgeboro St., Riverside, NJ 08075.rn

9 Comments

  1. Rosemary Kay says:

    To Doris, Bill, Bernadette and the Schetler Family – rnJack was a wonderful,kind,caring man. I will never forget the many conversations that we had about gardening. Also, I will never forget the many kindnesses that he showed to me, my family and the Jacksonville Fire Company over the past 30 years that I have known the Schetlers.rnMay he rest in peace. My love & sympathy goes out to Doris and the Schetler Family. rnIn friendship, Rosemary Kay

  2. Donna Reil (Bintliff) says:

    I lived across the street from the Shetlers for many years and I remember Jack always being outside in the yard or doing things around his home.nI want to say I am sorry to hear about his passing and I send my sincere sympathy to Doris and all of the family. nRest in peace Jack.nA neighbor from long ago, Donna Bintliff

  3. Bonnie and Gary DuBoff says:

    To April Schetler and family,nOur sincere condolences, all our best.nLove the DuBoffs

  4. Jennie Errigo says:

    To April and the entire Schetler/Hartman family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know Jackson (pop-pop) will be greatly missed.

  5. Donna Wixted says:

    My condolences to the entire family of Jackson, whom I would have called “Mr. Schetler”. As one of April’s friends, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about him and his life. He was a tower of support for April…her adoration for him was so evident. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. Lori Zataveski says:

    My deepest sympathies to Doris and the rest of Jack’s family. I will always be forever grateful for Jack’s time and dedication to our Vacation Bible School. Jack spent hours and weeks on beautiful works of art that would adorn our Sanctuary at First Moravian Church and create an environment that the children (and adults) loved. He was a dear man and a special friend who will be greatly missed.

  7. Hazel & Marlene says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hazel adored her cousin Jake. She has told me so many stories of their growing up years. and how kind he was with all his younger cousins. She always loved and admired him so very much. God bless you all. Hazel & Marlene

  8. HELEN STEWART says:

    Dear Doris,n I was very sad to learn of Jake’s death. I have such fond memories ofnmy good friends from Riverside. My sympathy and prayers are with younand you family.n n Love,n Helennn

  9. Krista Bloomquist says:

    you are an inspiration to our generation. Doris I am sorry for your loss but hold onto all the memories.