Obituary for Harold E. Schumm
Harold E. “Harry” Schumm, 94, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on Thursday, December 29th. Born in Salem, OH to Herman and Anna (Goellner) Schumm, the family moved to Alameda, CA and Wenatchee, WA, before returning to his mother’s hometown of Port Gibson, NY. Harold graduated from high school in Newark, NY at age 17, before enlisting in the the US Army Air Corps Weather Wing from 1946 to 1949. Harold then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the College of Forestry at Syracuse University. While attending college, he spent several months working for the US Weather Service based out of Thule Field in Greenland. He met his wife, the former Agnes Borau at a church picnic in 1950 and they were married in 1953. After college, he was hired by Sargent Webster Crenshaw and Folley Architects in Syracuse. In 1954, he went into business for himself, forming Schumm Associates, Landscape Architecture and Land Planners. In 1968, he went into partnership with Robert Werle, forming Schumm & Werle Associates. In 1982, the firm became known as Schumm & Maxian with Allan Maxian. Harold retired in 1999 but continued to be active and added his expertise to the field for many years.
Harry was a hands-on father, grandfather and great grandfather. He always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook. He loved to travel, spend time in his large garden and beautifully landscaped yard, bird watching and nature in general, telling funny stories, reading, especially about history, spending time with family, friends and neighbors and there was not a dog or cat that he didn’t fall in love with.
Harold was an active, life-long member of the Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities, including deacon and Lay Minister. At his passing, he was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, NY.
Over the years, he was active in many local organizations, including the Syracuse Rotary Club, American Society of Landscape Architects, little league coach, volunteer bus driver for the Syracuse 76ers Drum and Bugle Corp. He supported many environmental causes, including one of the earliest efforts to clean up Onondaga Lake and had served as a NYS Lemon Law Arbitrator.
Besides his parents, Harold was pre-deceased by his baby sister June, brother Richard, granddaughter Nicole Piper Adams and several nieces.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Agnes of Syracuse, sister Jane Buchanan of Hopkinsville, KY, son David of East Syracuse, daughter Carol Piper (Marty) of Marcellus, granddaughter Shannon Piper (Ron Bush), great-granddaughters Amelia and Piper Adams, several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donations in Harold’s memory may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, NY, SUNY ESF College Foundation or the charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Harry was a hands-on father, grandfather and great grandfather. He always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook. He loved to travel, spend time in his large garden and beautifully landscaped yard, bird watching and nature in general, telling funny stories, reading, especially about history, spending time with family, friends and neighbors and there was not a dog or cat that he didn’t fall in love with.
Harold was an active, life-long member of the Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities, including deacon and Lay Minister. At his passing, he was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, NY.
Over the years, he was active in many local organizations, including the Syracuse Rotary Club, American Society of Landscape Architects, little league coach, volunteer bus driver for the Syracuse 76ers Drum and Bugle Corp. He supported many environmental causes, including one of the earliest efforts to clean up Onondaga Lake and had served as a NYS Lemon Law Arbitrator.
Besides his parents, Harold was pre-deceased by his baby sister June, brother Richard, granddaughter Nicole Piper Adams and several nieces.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Agnes of Syracuse, sister Jane Buchanan of Hopkinsville, KY, son David of East Syracuse, daughter Carol Piper (Marty) of Marcellus, granddaughter Shannon Piper (Ron Bush), great-granddaughters Amelia and Piper Adams, several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donations in Harold’s memory may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, NY, SUNY ESF College Foundation or the charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.