Obituary of Joseph Nicholas Schatzle II

Joseph Nicholas Schatzle II (Coach Joe Schatzle) Of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Arlington, VA, died June 4, 2011, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Joe was born September 10, 1931 in Jamaica, N.Y., to Joseph Nicholas Schatzle, Sr., and Molly McGurk Schatzle. He grew up in Queens Village, N.Y., and Cold Spring, N.Y. , studied at St. Francis Xavier High School in New York City, and graduated from Haldane High School in Cold Spring and later began his teaching career there. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manhattan College (1953), where he was a member of the college’s legendary sprint relay team (1951-53). He also held numerous individual titles. In 1953, as a member of the United States track team, he won the 100- and 220- yard titles at the British Games. From 1953 to 1955, Joe served as first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps as an air traffic controller and where he also exercised his passion for track. From 1963-1993 he taught physical education and coached track and field for Wappingers Central School District, and became known as the “father of track and field” in Duchess County. In 1991, he was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2008 his former students and athletes dedicated a monument to their coach which is on the athletic field of R.C. Ketcham High School. As one former students stated, “His positive influence ripples out today through leaders in community and country.” Joe was an unusual athlete in that he was deeply involved in the world of art and was himself and artful photographer. His “studio” on the Hudson River is filled with his photographs of the Hudson River Valley, a place dear to his heart, a place where he spent hours reading and writing poetry. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother James and his son Peter. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores Leckey of Arlington, Virginia; his children from his first marriage to Louise S. Schatzle: Joseph Nicholas Schatzle III, Charles Schatzle, David Schatzle, and Molly Schatzle Immerzeel; his four grandchildren, Hannah Schatzle, Kalvyn Joy Immerzeel, Branden Immerzeel, and Oliver Nicholas Schatzle; and his step-children, Mary Kate Marcellus (Ron), Dr. Celia Leckey, Thomas J. Leckey (Margaret), Dr. Colum Leckey (Donna); and seven step-grandchildren, all of whom are grateful for his presence in their lives. Nieces, cousins, scores of former students, athletes and colleagues will also miss his humor, sensitivity, and gentle ways. He always reminded his family and friends that “we must have fun.” Viewing in Virginia will be on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm, at Advent Funeral Home, 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22046. The funeral mass and burial will take place the following week in Cold Spring, N.Y.: the wake will be at Clinton Funeral Home on Monday, June 13th, 5 pm to 8 pm; the funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 14th at Our Lady of Loretto Church at 10 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research or Manhattan College.