Gareth Robert Schumacher, Age 76 of Caribbean Isles in Apollo Beach, FL Died on December 26, 2012 at LifePath House in Ruskin.
Gary was born in Youngstown, OH on 10-02-1936 and was an active member of Christ Community Church of Gibsonton, FL He married Helen Knox-Schumacher on 12- 12-1995 in Brandon, FL.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, his Son Paul Christopher Schumacher and wife Tia of Lowellville, OH, his sister Paula Miller of Phoenix, AZ. As well as four loving nieces and nephews and their families who live in NC, KS, UT, and AZ.. His parents, Paul and Margaret, and brother William preceded him in death.
He served in the U. S. Army and the U. S. Marine Corp. Reserves.
He will be cremated by Tony Zipperer Funeral Home of Ruskin, FL. Services will be held at the Caribbean Isles Residential Park clubhouse on Thursday, January 3, 2012, at noon. Pastor Charlie Lewis will officiate. It will be followed by a pot luck luncheon provided by the residents of that park, and all of his friends are welcome.
At one time, Gary was Pastor of his own Church In Ohio, The Church of the Holy Light. In 1976 he felt his divorce was not a good example for young people, so he sought other ways to serve his God. His 45 year background in the hotel business stretched from OH to FL, with many years at the Hilton in Reddington Beach, FL. While there, in August 1994, he was nominated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as one of the outstanding wonders, and won the "You're still Ticking" Award. He changed to the Ramada in 1995 when he married Helen and moved to Apollo Beach. He quickly earned awards for "Ramada Employee of the Month" At that time, he also joined his wife in her business, and soon outsold all others. The buyers called him "The Purse Lady". For over 40 years he had a love of promotional materials, and found his niche with Kaeser & Blair, Inc. of Batavia, OH. by actively selling in this area.
He was a member of the South Shore Business Association, religiously attending weekly meetings, and was on the Executive Committee of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, of Ruskin and Apollo Beach, at one time earning him the title of Ambassador of the Year.
He also took an active part in Caribbean Isles by serving as President, then Vice President of their Civic Association. He and Helen were named King and Queen for 2011-2012. He never hesitated to partake in the annual comedy skits, with his female portrayals, and headed up the logo sales tables at weekly coffee, bazaars, or arts festivals.
He was a published poet. He and his smile will be missed.