Donald F. Schutz

Donald was a scientist, business leader, and devoted family man whose life was guided by an enduring thirst for knowledge and a deep curiosity regarding science, cultures, and the world around him. He possessed a remarkable intellect but never lost his sense of humor or his ability to laugh easily. He approached life with a genuine interest in others, enjoying listening to people, exchanging ideas, and continually expanding his understanding of the world.

Donald earned his B.A. in Geology from Yale University in 1956. While pursuing his master's degree in geology, he met Beatriz, the love of his life. They married in May 1958 and moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Donald continued his studies at Yale. There he earned a second master's degree, in geochemistry, in 1960, followed by a Ph.D. in geochemistry in 1964.

Shortly thereafter, Donald accepted a position at Teledyne Isotopes in Westwood, New Jersey. He and Beatriz settled in New Jersey and welcomed their son, Delfino (Del), into the family. Their daughter, Celita, joined them in 1968.

Throughout his distinguished career, Donald held leadership positions in the nuclear and geoscience fields. He served as President of Teledyne Isotopes and later as a Teledyne Group Executive. Despite the demands of his work, he always made his family a priority, rarely missing family dinners or his children's sporting events.

Even after retirement, Donald's passion for science and discovery never waned. He founded Geonuclear, Inc., where he served as President and established a specialized laboratory that received samples from around the world for scientific testing. His work reflected not only his deep scientific expertise but also his enduring intellectual curiosity and commitment to his field.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Donald devoted many years to serving others. He served as President of the Children's Aid and Adoption Society for more than a decade and as President of the American Nuclear Society, generously giving his time and leadership to organizations that reflected his commitment to his community and his profession.

Above all, Donald loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Beatriz and a loving, dedicated, and amazing father to Del and Celita. He could engage in a conversation about almost anything, but ask Donald about his wife or children, and his face would light up with a smile. His pride in and love for his family were unmistakable, and sharing stories about them brought him genuine happiness.

One of Donald's greatest joys was the home he and Beatriz designed and built together in River Vale, New Jersey, where they raised their children. A deeply personal creation, designed to enjoy sunsets, trees and seasons, the home reflected Donald's ingenuity and the life they had built together. It remained a cherished source of happiness and a lasting expression of their shared life as a family.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and Theodore, and his older brother, Ted. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Beatriz Valera-Schutz; his son, Delfino (Del), of Morrison, Colorado; his daughter, Celita, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey; and his younger sister, Ann, of North Carolina.

Donald will be remembered for his exceptional intellect, his unique perspective on the world, and the joy he brought to everyone he met through his stories, easy laughter, and unending curiosity. His passion for learning never ceased, nor did his pride in and affection for his wife and children. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and he will be forever cherished.

A gathering in Donald's honor will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, New Jersey.