William Edmund Schuh

William (Bill) Edmund Schuh was born the eldest of five children to Ed and Zoan Schuh on August 22, 1940 in Reedley, California. He passed away peacefully in his Fresno home of 50 years on October 20, 2025.

Bill attended St. Therese Grammar School and then San Joaquin Memorial High School, an institution he loved and supported for the rest of his life. He excelled as a standout athlete, earning an unprecedented 17 high school varsity letters. As a Panther, he was fortunate to have Jerry Tarkanian as both his basketball and track coach – Jerry’s very first coaching assignments. After high school he enrolled at Fresno State University, where he graduated with a degree in Viticulture.

Bill began in the agricultural business in Coalinga before farming vineyards in Calistoga. Upon his return to the Central Valley, he embarked on a four-decade career, farming nearly 13,000 acres of row crops in Five Points and Cantua Creek until his retirement in 2005. He was a trailblazer in the farming community, earning the respect of business owners and irrigation workers alike; everyone knew by his genuine nature that a handshake from Bill was as binding as any contract. He had an unwavering passion for agriculture and for the land itself, which was evident even after he retired.

Bill wed Ernestine Severini, whom he had known since first grade, in 1961. They were married for 64 years and were blessed with 4 boys: Billy (Diane), Mark (Mary), Phil (Tina), and Michael. They were followed by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (with #7 on the way). His family was the highlight of his life – if you asked about one of his grandkids, you were in for a good, long story. Bill is also survived by his brother Jimmy (Teresa) and many nieces and nephews.

After becoming a grandfather over forty years ago, Bill became affectionately known as “PA”. He was a constant presence in the lives of his family, rarely missing a ballgame, recital, school function, or celebration. Together with Ernestine, they hosted countless gatherings - birthday parties, grandkid sleepovers, holidays, brunches after Mass, Sunday dinners, and cherished trips to the family cabin at Bass Lake.

Bill was also an avid outdoorsman with a deep love of hunting and fishing and was fortunate to enjoy many wonderful trips with friends and family. He particularly cherished his time with his San Joaquin CC buddies and eagerly awaited their golf trips throughout California; adventures ranging far beyond the course.

PA believed in the motto ‘work hard, play hard’. While he expressly communicated the importance of a strong work ethic to all his children and grandchildren, few people had more fun. Seldom was he seen without his signature smile, and never without a big wad of ‘scratch’ in his pocket! He was a provider, fan, and hero to his children and grandchildren. He and Ernestine have served as the foundation of a large supportive family, a model for future generations to emulate. He leaves behind a legacy of family, generosity, hospitality, and integrity.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California, 93720, on November 6, 2025, at 6:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, California, 93730, on November 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Joaquin Memorial High School, 1406 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93703, or Nazareth House of Fresno, 2121 N First St, Fresno, CA 93703. Further information about these organizations can be found at sjmhs.org and https://www.sistersofnazareth.com/service/america/nazareth-house-of-fresno/, respectively.