Paul Michael Schuhlein's Obituary
Paul Michael Schuhlein, a retired Commander in the US Navy and lifelong naval and commercial aviator died unexpectedly at his home in Germantown, Tennessee on March 28th, 2024, at age 60.
Cmdr. Schuhlein was born in Westbury (Long Island) NY in 1963 as the youngest of four children and the only son of the late Charles M. Schuhlein and the late Joan Reisert Schuhlein. He was a member of the US Naval Academy Class of 1985 and had a distinguished career as an F-14 fighter pilot and naval flight instructor, followed by a 27-year career as a pilot and senior manager at FedEx after retirement from the Navy.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Shannon Coln Schuhlein, daughter Katherine Schuhlein, son LT Colin Schuhlein (USN) and spouse LT Michelle Schuhlein (USN), and son Capt. Christopher Schuhlein (USA) and his spouse, Marissa Schuhlein and their son, Jace. He is also survived by siblings Lori Schuhlein Malloy (Kevin), Jean Schuhlein McAnulty (Peter), Lynn Schuhlein Kliem (Russell) and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Paul will be remembered first and foremost as a loving and revered husband, father, grandfather, overseer and provider of all things involving family life.
Aside from his family, the greatest love of Paul’s life was flying and all aspects of aviation. From mid-teenage years onwards Paul’s life was an airborne one, with superb flying skills engrained from those early days; and his reputation for precision and command in the cockpit was without peer. His competence as a flier extended to all that he did as a mentor and teacher for his children, junior officers and FedEx coworkers who sought and received Paul’s selfless attention and personal warmth. Vying for second place in his personal sphere was his love of country and his devotion to his beloved Navy: its tradition, its duties and legacy. He was a tireless advocate for the US Naval Academy and for decades he led USNA recruitment for Tennessee and beyond.
Although born in the shadow of New York City, Paul’s love of Nature and respect for the great outdoors was a personal hallmark that kept him “grounded” when not in the skies. He was an organizer par excellence and reveled in the tasks of running the local Oktoberfest, featuring his highly skilled beer-brewing. He was a great lover of family reunions, and his spirit evoked the robust life and Gemütlichkeit bequeathed to him from his German-American heritage. His strong Catholic faith and his devotion to helping those in need were deeply rooted and never trumpeted. He was a fine gentleman and will be missed beyond measure.
A Visitation and Memorial service to honor and celebrate Paul’s life and faith will take place on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Visitation at 3:00 p.m. until the service time at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 5th, 2024, by Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m.
Donations in memory of Paul can be made to:
Make a Donation | Gary Sinise Foundation
Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)
The United States Naval Academy Class of 1985 Classmate’s Children Foundation (Link to be established)
Or to the charity of your choice
If desired, flowers can be sent to Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?