In Memory

Jeffrey David Schilling

Jeffrey David Schilling

July 17, 1948 - August 18, 2015

      Jeff’s sister, Barbara Schilling Hurwitz, told us “Jeff passed away on August 18, 2015, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  He is survived only by his wife, Bonnie, and me.  Though his life was filled with struggle, he always managed to see the rainbow at the end of the tunnel.  His humor and laughter live in my heart.  May he rest in peace.  Best to you and his old MHS friends who supported him when it was most needed.”

      Alan Ganek recalls, “Jeff was very badly injured in a sledding accident during the winter of our Junior year. The injury left him partially paralyzed on the entire left side of his body.  Almost immediately after regaining consciousness and understanding his situation, he set the goal of graduating with our class.  With a lot of hard work and home tutoring, he was able to do so, which was an amazing achievement.

      After graduation, Jeff entered Rutgers College.  At that time, there were no provisions to help students with his type of disability.  He carried a heavy academic load in addition to the ongoing physical therapy that he required.  At no time do I ever recall him complaining about his situation or feeling sorry for himself.  Jeff faced his considerable challenges with courage and an optimistic attitude.  He eventually transferred to Ryder College where he received his bachelor’s degree.  He later married and worked in retail.  Jeff also earned his MA degree at Newark State in Rehabilitation Counseling.  He won an award for his service working with the disabled at a rehab center in East Orange.  He also received an award for climbing Masada in Israel long before a cable car was installed.  Jeff had a strong will to not only live but to succeed.  There is no better example of the positive spirit of the Class of ’66 than Jeff.”



 
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09/10/16 08:21 PM #1    

Daniel Palumbo

RIP... Jeff


10/21/16 07:27 PM #2    

Barbara 'Barbi' Melnikoff

AMEN!


10/22/16 07:59 AM #3    

June Shalit (Hochman)

I remember Jeff all through my schooling, elementary though high school. What a nice guy. Always a smile and a hello. May he rest in peace.


10/22/16 04:44 PM #4    

Alberta 'Bert' Teltser (Pedroja)

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of courage in the face of adversity.   We can all benefit from knowing about this as were all who crossed paths with him. 


10/23/16 12:36 PM #5    

Jill 'Kap' Kaplan (Bunting)

Rest in peace Jeff.


10/30/16 10:42 PM #6    

Claire Koenigsberg (Caines)

Thank you, Al for telling Jeff's story. I remember when Jeff was injured and recall, as you do, that he never complained depsite what must have been very difficult circumstances. Think of any middle school or high school kid going through not only the physical challenges, but being "different." None of us thought of him as disabled. He was just Jeff! His story is inspiring. I feel honored to have known him.


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