Richard H. Schulken

Richard Henry Schulken passed away Tuesday evening from Aspiration Pneumonia in both lungs. He was 81 and would have been 82 on Friday June 26th.
He was born in Teaneck NJ but moved at a young age to Far Rockaway, NY, where he grew up. He was the oldest of 5 children, his brothers were Bobby (Escondido, CA), Billy (Deceased), Helene (Rockville Centre, NY) and Lorraine (Flat Rock, NC).
He started out wanting to be an engineer and went to SUNY Farmingdale but when the Fire Department came calling, like his Dad (Henry) he jumped at the chance to be a NYC Fireman. He spent 37 years on the Fire Department and retired as a Captain. He was very well respected for his knowledge and always running a tight Fire House (The boys can attest to that). He also spend 4 years in the New York Air National Guard.
While a young fireman he met Marie Christina Kelty on a miniature golf course with some of their friends. They ended up getting married 2 years later and moved into an apartment in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and a short time later they bought a house in Wantagh NY, where they started a family. They had 4 children, Jeanne (Deceased), Chris (Haymarket, VA), John (Indiatlantic, FL) and Tim (West Hartford, CT).
He relished being involved with the kids sports and helped coach their football and baseball teams and enjoyed playing softball with the K of C and just loved to play golf. He was also very good with his hands and building things and was a real DIYer. The other thing he loved to do is talk about FDNY with his son John, who became a 3rd generation NYC Fireman.
He also enjoyed the beach and the water, so they bought a Little Beach House in Mattituck, NY that turned out to be the focal point of a lot of fun for the family and all their friends till this day.
After making sure the kids got through Catholic School and College, he decided to retire and move on to the next stage of his life. In retirement they first moved to beautiful Dix Hills, NY and then they traveled the world and visited the boys frequently, especially if there were parties.
He slowed as he got older from having a tough physical life but will always be remember for being such a big fun-loving guy, who would always fib to make you laugh. He loved playing with the 7 grandkids, traveling with Marie, hanging with his sons and playing a round of golf with his FDNY cronies and laughing all lunch long.

We Will Miss You Big Guy.


In lieu of flowers you can donate to:
www.tunnel2towers@org.com