John F. Schultheis

John F. Schultheis, a devoted husband, father, and tireless community leader, passed away on March 18, 2026, in Cranberry Township, PA. He was a longtime resident of Silver Spring, MD. He lived a life defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering "positive purpose."

Born in Bethlehem, PA, to the late John F. and Mary Schultheis, John graduated from Moravian College and served in the U.S. Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant. He dedicated his professional career to the realm of finance, working with the D.C. and Federal governments, PEPCO, the Prison Reform Task Force, and State Farm Insurance. He served for 28 years as the Fiscal Officer of the D.C. Courts until his retirement in 1999.

John’s heart belonged to The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., where he was a member for over 50 years. He served as President of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Diaconal Ministers, and he drove for Meals on Wheels in the inner city around the White House. An inveterate optimist, he famously provided delicious homemade birthday cupcakes for the congregation and led the church’s Planned Giving Committee.

John’s spirit of service extended throughout his community. He led Brownie and Girl Scout activities, volunteered in nursery and public-school classrooms, walked dogs, mowed lawns, and shoveled snow for sick and elderly neighbors. While serving on the Service Board for the Ingleside at Rock Creek Retirement Community in Washington, D.C., he volunteered in their Thrift and Sundries Shops. He also started a unique visitation ministry with his wife; together, and in costume, they delivered stuffed animals and holiday treats on a quarterly basis to over 100 residents in assisted living. Each animal was specially dressed for the holiday—whether Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, or Christmas—bringing joy as "John and Cathy." John truly believed we are all "here for a reason."

John is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Catherine (Cathy) Schultheis; his daughters, Dr. Mary Beth Schultheis (Greg Maestas) and Margaret “Peggy” Nicholson; his "other daughter" and faithful friend, Darcie Biancini; and his cherished grandchildren, Haley and Tyler Nicholson.

He is also survived by his brother, Robert B. Schultheis (Diane); sister-in-law, Nancy L. Kissner; aunt, Esther Schultheis; nephews, Robert Kissner and Thomas Kissner (Anne); nieces, Karen Locke (John), Jennifer Reinman (Matt), Leslie Steele (Mark), and Katherine Schultheis (James Waters); and many cousins, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, G. Gordon Kissner.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bridges Hospice for their compassionate care and support. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, 1313 New York Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, the Bridges Hospice Foundation, 4130 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146, or to the Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End Alzheimer’s team “ALZ Avengers” – http://act.alz.org/goto/JohnSchultheis

Arrangements were under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences for the family may be placed at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.