Louis O. Schueler

Louis O. Schueler, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfield, CT on October 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family who are comforted in knowing that following the recent loss of his beloved wife of 65 years, Cynthia K. Schueler, they are reunited once again. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 23, 1937 to the late Evelyn and Theodore Schueler, he grew up in Padanaram Village located in South Dartmouth, MA. He was the middle of three siblings and was predeceased by his sister Evelyn White and brother Theodore Schueler Jr.

Upon graduation from Boston University, Lou received a Second Lieutenant’s commission in the United States Air Force through the Air Force R.O.T.C. program. From 1959 to 1965, he served in the United States Air Force and then flew as Captain in the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Lou had a 32-year career as a Pilot for United Airlines from 1965 to 1997. During his career as a commercial pilot, he received the JFK Flight Office “Captain of the Year” award. From 1985 to 1997 he served as Chairman of the JFK Domicile’s Employee Assistance Program working untiringly to help fellow pilots with career and family problems.

Lou demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and his community. He enjoyed volunteering and helping others. He promoted fundraising concerts, activities and programs with teen volunteers of Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center of Eastern Fairfield County from 1975 to 1979. Lou served as President of Community Sailing of Fairfield and the Harbor Management Commission for eight years. In addition, he served as Harbormaster for the harbors and navigable waterways of Southport from 2014 to 2019. For eleven years he participated in the School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport program promoting reading to elementary school students.

Lou was a clever and funny man of vast wit. He was a voracious reader and a self-taught lifelong learner. Over the course of his life, Lou made it his business to accumulate new knowledge and to deepen his wisdom and insight. He served our nation and his passengers with utmost courage, honor and integrity. Lou was a man of many talents and skills and a truly delightful sense of humor. He was very good at making people feel comfortable and a part of whatever was going on.

Lou was a loving father of three daughters and sons-in-law: Jennifer and Jim de Winter of Rye, NY, Sophia Schueler and Ben Hughes of Sherborn, MA, and Stephanie and John Donnelly of Framingham, MA. Lou and Cynthia found so much joy in spending time with their family; especially their five grandchildren; Alexandra de Winter Blum, her husband Andrew Blum and their daughter Lillian Blum, Eric de Winter, Jack Donnelly and his fiancée Natalie Wlotkowski, Grace Donnelly, and Amari Hughes. They were the pride and joy of his life. Annual vacations on Martha’s Vineyard were always a highlight of the year. Lou was dedicated to his family and was unwavering in his support of and care for his wife who battled with dementia. In addition to his family, he is survived by his sister-in-law and her husband, Barbara and Joseph Marshall, and many nieces and nephews. Lou’s family will be forever grateful for the love and outstanding care Cynthia and Lou received from their caregivers and the team at Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice.

A private celebration of Lou’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.