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November 12, 2011
Niagara Gazette
OCALA, FL — Ronald C. Schultz, Ph.D., passed away Friday, November 4, 2011, at his home in Ocala, FL, at the age of 65.
Dr. Schultz was a graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. He was the author of "When Freedom Fails" and "Looking Upward: Facing and Reaching Beyond Spinal Cord Injury".
He is survived by his wife, Linda De Senso Schultz of 39 years; his parents, Donald and Helen Toenniessen, Ocala, FL, and Robert M. Schultz, Sr., Ransomville; five brothers, Robert Schultz, Jr. (Karen), Bradenton, FL; Peter Toenniessen (Michelle), Albion, NY; Richard Schultz (Primrose), Ocala, FL; Kenneth Toenniessen (Tara), Lockport, NY; and Mark Schultz (Melinda), Niagara Falls, NY; sisters, Karen Gardner (Gary), Lockport, NY; Molly Mc Intyre and Rebecca Wolfe, Niagara Falls, NY; several nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of his life on November 26, 2011 in Ocala, FL.
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Paul Darnell
Ronald C. Schultz, Ph.D., was someone I would never have recognized from our years together in high school. He was always a bit of a jokester. I had no idea what he intended to make of himself.
As described in his first book, Looking Upward: Facing and Reaching Beyond Spinal Cord Injury, a car accident on December 30, 1968, fractured Ron's spine and damaged his spinal cord at C4-C5. From that moment on he was a paraplegic. Nevertheless, he fought through surgeries and years of rehabilitation to become a consultant, teacher and writer in the field of rehabilitative medicine and spinal cord injuries. His story is one of physical, psychological and spiritual growth.
Patricia Keaty (Gustina)
I had not heard about Ron's tragic accident. He certainly accomplished a great deal in his lifetime (makes one feel a bit inadequate). I have ordered both of his books on Amazon and hope to read at least one on the journey to WNY.
Paul Darnell
I will bring my copy of Ron's book, Looking Upward, with me to the reunion to pass along to the next classmate who would like to read it!
Marianne Monteleone (Harzewski)
Amazing what one person can do despite the obstacles put in front of them. I to would have never recognized this of Ron, as he was a bit of a jokester and did not seem to take life seriously. What a contribution he made to our world. I do will purchase his books. I am in awe of his strength.