Robert "Bob" William Schuhmacher

Robert (“Bob”) William Schuhmacher of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at the Embrace Hospice House in Carolina Forest, South Carolina. The only surviving child of August and Frieda Schuhmacher, immigrants from Germany, Bob was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. A childhood illness resulted in the loss of his hip bone at quite a young age. Despite the doctors’ predictions that he would never walk again, Bob achieved this feat through the signature combination of optimism and determination that would mark his entire 95 years. After graduating from Wood-Ridge High School, Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Montclair State University. He then went on to continue his graduate studies at Columbia University. Soon thereafter, Bob accepted a position as a professor at Kean University (then Newark State Teachers’ College), where he would teach various science courses for over 45 years. Bob married Anita Hood in 1961, and they settled in Union Township, New Jersey, where they would reside until his retirement in 2002. They welcomed twin sons Curtis and Kenneth in 1965, and daughter Kara in 1969. Love of nature was a constant in Bob’s life. As a young man, he worked summers at Wapalanee Camp in New Jersey, where he made many lifelong friends. He continued on this path in middle age, with several summers spent researching and teaching at the Marine Science Consortium near Cape May, New Jersey, and later serving as a director at Camp Johnsonburg in Warren County, New Jersey. After moving to Pawleys Island in 2002, Bob volunteered as a docent at Brookgreen Gardens for several years, while also devoting significant time and effort to the landscape at his and Anita’s residence. A man of quiet faith, Bob demonstrated his devotion largely through acts of service during his retirement. For several years, he taught adult classes on biblical history and archaeology at his local church. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, participating in projects both domestically and abroad to help construct housing for those in need. Bob and Anita were fortunate and adventurous enough to travel far and wide in their later years (often in the company of their son, Curtis). Among the many places that Bob visited, he particularly enjoyed Australia/New Zealand, China, Italy, Scandinavia, Scotland, and safari in Southern Africa. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother William, close cousin Gloria O’Neill, and grandson Hugo. He is survived by Anita, his devoted wife of 65 years; his loving children Curtis, Kenneth, and Kara; and his seven adored grandchildren: William, Reese, Augustus, Ellison, Felix, Frederick, and Agnes. All of them are deeply grateful for Bob’s long and well-lived life. A memorial service to celebrate Bob will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday July 18, 2026 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Brookgreen Gardens, Habitat for Humanity, and/or the Sierra Club Foundation.

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Robert "Bob" William Schuhmacher

April 28, 1931 - June 18, 2026