Matthew I Schuler

Matthew Schuler passed away on Tuesday, September 20th with his wife Meredith, daughter Julia, and
son Christopher by his side. Matt was born on August 6, 1962 in Newton, MA to John and Dwin Schuler.
He graduated from Wellesley High School in 1980, from Penn State University in 1987 with a BA in
Business Administration, and from the University of Maryland in 2008 with a Masters of Social Work.
Matt served many roles throughout his life. He worked his way up from humble van driver to CFO of
Longacre Expeditions, a summer adventure camp for teenagers. He co-founded the Wellesley Group, a
real estate firm, which he operated with his friend Susan Smith. He served as a member of the Board of
Directors for the Cumberland and Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission in Pennsylvania.
His heart was on the ocean. He was a sternman on the Mollie B., a lobster boat operated by dear friend
Josh Hatch. He was captain of the Owl, a restored wooden lobster boat harbored in Castine, Maine.
Daughter Julia was his loyal first mate. He felt most strongly connected to God between the islands and
waterways of Penobscot Bay in Maine.
Among his many responsibilities, he also took time to coach his childrens’ tee-ball teams and be a
devoted member of his church. He taught his children and community a love of the natural world, a
mindset grounded in compassion, and balanced this with an understanding of the practical matters of
life.
When not cracking jokes, Matt was soft-spoken, with powerful words and deep insight. After Longacre
Expeditions, it was a natural progression that he shifted his career towards counseling and therapy, first
starting at Pressley Ridge and then stepping into his sister-in-law’s practice, Awakenings. He went on to
aid many in his professional life seeking guidance, comfort, and wisdom in their lives.
Matt was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in 2013 but amazed both doctors and loved ones by
surviving 9 years. Matthew and his daughter thank St. Peregrine Laziosi, patron saint of cancer, for
miraculously granting him extended years to spend with his family.
Matt is survived by his wife Meredith Mathna Schuler, children Julia and Christopher, grandson Felix, siblings Ed, Peter,
and Phyllis, and parents John and Dwin. His celebration of life will be held in Newport, Pennsylvania on
October 23rd at a place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his honor to
Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (Duke University) or to the Island Heritage Trust (Maine).

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew I Schuler, please visit our floral store.