William E. Shultz

Shultz, William E., 71, Hollidaysburg, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Cambria Care Center, Ebensburg. Bill waged a brave and dignified battle with both cancer and frontal temporal degeneration. Born Aug. 6, 1944, in Midland, Michigan, son of the late William F. and Margaret (Holder) Shultz. Preceded in death by his dear brother-in-law, John G. Sharp on Nov. 13, 2015. Surviving are his wife, Betsy, Hollidaysburg; sisters: Claire Ann Sharp, Montoursville; and Maureen Brence (Bill), Wilmore; and brother, Richard Shultz (Jeanette), Lawrence, Kansas. Bill is also survived four nieces, two nephews, a dozen great-nieces and nephews; and Betsy's children, Sarah and Patrick McShane, Christopher Slat, and David and Stacy Slat and their sons, Christopher and Michael. After graduating from Bishop McCort High School, he attended St. Francis Seminary and was ordained in May, 1970 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and was named a Monsignor in December, 1982. He earned advanced degrees from both Penn State University and Catholic University. Throughout his priesthood of 40 years, Bill was assigned in residence and as assistant pastor in many parishes throughout the Altoona-Johnstown diocese. He was also Director of Religious Education and Superintendent of Schools for the diocese. His most beloved assignments were as pastor of churches throughout the diocese. He cared deeply for his people and tried very hard to bring Jesus's message of love and forgiveness to them. He fancied himself as "Mr. Fix It", and was blessed with some very gifted parishioners who actually made the vision come true. Although sometimes a little abrupt, Bill's unsung ability was leading people back to the Church and connecting and inspiring his flock. In November, 2010, Bill possibly took the biggest leap of faith, and married Betsy Biller Slat. He was laicized two years later by the Vatican and the marriage was blessed in the Church, December, 2012. He was a star baseball shortstop and was actually scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His interests were wide. As an honor to his beloved dad, Bill studied World War II in depth, particularly the Battle of Remagen, where his father was injured. Target shooting, grouse hunting and restoring old guns were just a few of Bill's hobbies. In later years, he loved to go fishing with his buddies, John and Clem, who were masters of patient untangling and finding the perfect springtime spot. Friends will be received at the gathering space at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, on Saturday from 9:15 until time of funeral mass at 10 a.m., Rev. Clement Gardner, celebrant. Private committal, St. Aloysius Cemetery. Cresson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Monastery, P.O. Box 57, Loretto, Pa. 15940. Arrangements by Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson. www.cmkennedyfh.com