SCHULTZ, GENE

SCHULTZ, GENE
Gene Schultz, often referred to as Undertaker to the Stars, died on June 11, 2025 of natural causes stemming from MRSA. He was 86.
Gene was born at home in Wilson, New York to Jenny and Leonard Schultz on August 12, 1938. Upon graduation from Wilson High School, he attended Erie County College to study drafting. While in college, Gene earned extra money digging graves at a nearby church cemetery. A funeral director, who had admired Gene's work ethic, established a friendship with him and encouraged him to consider becoming a funeral director. Gene took the advice and enrolled in a school of mortuary sciences in Syracuse, New York. While attending, he also began working as a dance instructor for the famed Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
After completing his studies in mortuary science, Gene was hired by the world renowned Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan. During his nearly 40-year career at the prestigious establishment, he personally prepared the remains and directed the funerals of the world's most prominent people. Among the countless celebrities and world leaders to whose final wishes he attended were Judy Garland, Irving Berlin, John Lennon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford as well as rapper Notorious B.I.G (Biggie Smalls.)
Gene eventually became the funeral director of Campbell's and garnered celebrity status himself, being featured over the years in international media. Most notable was Gene being the subject of an interview conducted by Barbara Walters for ABC's 20/20.
Upon his retirement, Gene was honored with the title of President Emeritus of Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home.
He moved permanently to the Cape May Beach area of Lower Township where he devoted his retirement years to local charities and non-profit groups, including GABLES of Cape May County, serving as the group's social director.
His award-winning watercolors and stained-glass creations were either commissioned by collectors or freely given away to local auctions, raising money for worthy causes. Gene would also donate his time to local non-profits, giving lectures that included his first-hand accounts of celebrity encounters and challenging funerals.
Gene is survived by Conrad Logan, his husband of 20 years, with whom he enjoyed watching the wildlife from their beach home and hosting dinners and cocktail parties for friends and family. When not at home, Gene and Conrad traveled the world, supported the arts and many of their favorite charities.
He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Faver, Judith Whitehead and Sharon Jasow.
Gene is preceded in death by his brothers, Chester Schultz, Nelson Schultz and his sister, Brenda Schultz.
At Gene's request, there will be no funeral service, however a Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com