C. Joseph Schiller, 87, of Salisbury entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. He was born and raised in Salisbury on March 7, 1939. He always said, “I have a lot of sand in my shoes.” Joe was a twin, born to the late Joseph John and Sadie Woodrow Schiller.
He graduated from Wicomico Senior High School and the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland with a degree in Economics and Finance, and served his country for 8 years in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. His business career included Commercial Banking in Baltimore with Union Trust Company and Financial Planning in New York City with Symington Wayne Corporation. He retired from the position of Wicomico County Finance Director in 2001, having the privilege of serving in the capacity for 27 years. In semi-retirement, Joe worked for 15 years as an internal auditor for First Shore Federal in Salisbury.
During his younger years, he was an avid golfer. Later in life, he and Jan made many wonderful memories while traveling with their camper throughout the Eastern part of the U.S. He enjoyed reading and his home. He would always enter the front door of his home saying, “Home Sweet Home”!
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Jan, whom he married on Valentine’s Day 1989, his two daughters, Leya Schiller, Farah VanGenderen of Salisbury, a grandson, Zachary VanGenderen (Alexis), his granddaughter Aislyn VanGenderen and her daughter Layla Joanis, his twin sister, Jane Mason, his two nephews and their families, Lee and Katie Mason, Chris and Melanie Mason, and his sister-in-law, Joanie Timmons. He also leaves a host of special friends. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert Mason and a grandson, Ian VanGenderen.
He was a dedicated member of Allen Memorial Baptist Church in Salisbury for many years, where he served in various ministries. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and Green Hill Yacht and Country Club.
In keeping with Joe’s final wishes, there will be no formal services, and he wishes to be cremated. Inurnment will be in Wicomico Memorial Park in Salisbury at the family plot. You must be born of the spirit if you want to live with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior for all eternity. Joe enjoyed these scriptures and would like you to refer to them. John 3:3, John 3:16, and John 14:2 and 3.
A memorial contribution may be made to Allen Memorial Baptist Church, 1303 Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804 or the Leukemia Foundation of Delaware, 91 Lukens Drive F, New Castle, DE 19720.
