Stephen M. Schuckman
Stephen M. Schuckman, 61, of Quincy passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020, at his home in Quincy. Stephen was born Jan. 16, 1959, in Quincy to Jerry and Kathleen Connell Schuckman. Both survive.
He is a 1977 graduate of Quincy High School and a 1981 graduate of Quincy University with bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry. He earned a master’s degree in botany from the University of Missouri in 1984. He moved to New Jersey in 1985 to serve as an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University.
Stephen managed Metropolitan Plant Exchange in West Orange, N.J., from 1987-1993, and he served as the Superintendent of Parks and Shade Tree in Montclair, N.J. Stephen sat on the Montclair municipal planning board, was a former president of the Montclair Economic Development Corps and was one of the founders of the Montclair Farmer’s Market. He also wrote a gardening column for the Montclair Times.
Stephen was the horticultural manager of the Van Vleck House & Gardens from 1998-2005. In 2006, he started his own company — First Mountain Arboriculture, a horticultural consulting and urban forestry company. He served as the forestry consultant for several New Jersey communities, including Montclair, Bloomfield, Maplewood, Hawthorne and Glen Ridge.
Stephen was a certified arborist by the New Jersey Arborists Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and a certified tree expert by the New Jersey Society of Certified Tree Experts. He was a continuing education instructor at Rutgers University, where he taught advanced pruning and municipal shade tree management in recent years.
An avid outdoorsman and naturalist, Stephen enjoyed beekeeping, hiking, camping, photography and reading in his free time. He climbed to the summit of Mount Ranier in 1987 and involved himself in many outdoors projects throughout the years, including exploring the Mississippi River for mussels on the endangered species list. He enjoyed watching college basketball, especially during the NCAA Tournament, and always rooted for Duke. He loved to travel, visiting Hawaii and Mexico whenever possible.
Survivors, in addition to his parents, include five siblings: Rebecca (Guy) Spoonmore of Quincy, Gregory (Lisa) Schuckman of Quincy, Theresa (Mike) Lantz of Quincy, Julie Schuckman of Quincy, and Matthew (Michelle) Schuckman of Quincy; 10 nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Private family services will be held and interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Quincy Tree Commission.
I was stunned and so very saddened to recently hear of Steve’s passing. As many have mentioned, I always found Steve to be such a gentleman. We met via Rutgers Gardens, Van Vleck house, the Nutley gardens, and through many years now enjoyed sharing and discussing our mutual love of plants and trees. I always looked forward to seeing Steve at the Rutgers Gardens Spring Flower Fair, and catching up on his latest adventures to Mexico. We’ve lost a passionate and knowledgeable tree advocate, kind companion, and overall wonderful guy. I’m so sorry for this loss, but so glad to have known him!!
I just found out today that Steve passed away . I’m so sorry to hear this. He was such a nice man and very knowledgeable and helpful. He helped us celebrate Arbor Day in Halcyon Park, in Bloomfield, NJ several years ago. I’m so sad. May he Rest In heavenly peace.
Our Condolences to such a young vibrant brother & son, gone too soon, but who sure loved life & nature. Blessings, Lisa & Tom
Rainy day here in downtown Montclair where we are planting pansies waiting for the sun to shine again later. Kind of day we would bump into Steve and discuss trees and plants, the weather and how to improve the township in one way or another. We know we’d learn something new and will really miss our spontaneous greetings. He was a gentleman in every way. We are so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Steve was one of the great ones here in our town and a big part of making Montclair special. From the farmers market he ran to his work keeping all our trees healthy, he was a caring standout and will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace my fellow tree geek! We met at one of the East Coast landscape at Van Vleck Gardens 25 years ago. His love for plants was his driving force! He taught me a lot and am proud to be tending some of the trees he tended.
On behalf of the Township of Bloomfield, we are all so sad as we just heard the news. Steve was a good guy and absolutely dedicated to his profession. May he rest in peace…..Anthony Nesto
Everyone in Montclair owes a great debt to Steve for all his work for our town and especially for our farmers’ market. Whenever we get together on Saturdays, we will remember him.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful man. I knew him for many years as a farmer at the Montclair market. He was always cheerful and thoughtful. He will be greatly missed.
Matt, Please know our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know so many of you. My heart hurts for all May God bless each of you. Hugs and prayers. Jacki
So sad to hear the news of Steve’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to all the family. Steve was a grade school friend and spent many days hanging out. Great guy and real loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Praying for you.❤️
My condolences to the Schuckman family. I worked with Steve in Montclair while he was the superintendent and the town’s arborist. He was like no other and will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace, comfort and strength.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Heart felt condolences go to your entire family.
Steve was my mentor and role model. He was like a father to me. He took me under his wing while I was in High School and taught me everything he knew. Because of him I have a career today. I will be eternally grateful to him and miss his friendship so much. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wonderful son and brother.
Steve was always a gentleman, even as a young man and had a sincere, warm demeanor that will not be forgotten.
Thank God for sharing this fine soul with all of us.
Hugs& Prayers. You were my dear friend. Watched my girls grow up at the market through the years and than joined us at there weddings. We had great talks on the phone, we were always laughing together, as well as a tear here and there. I will miss you my friend. Prayers for the Schuckman family
Our deepest sympathy. May God keep Steve close to him. We were blessed to know Steve as a friend and manager of the Montclair Farmers Market.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time. Hugs and Prayers
I am sorry to hear of your son’s/sibling’s passing. My condolences to all of the family. May Stephen Rest In Peace!
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I have fond memories of him while classmates at St. Mary’s and Quincy High schools. Prayers for the Schuckman family
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I was a good friend of Steve’s in the 1973 grade school class at St. Mary’s school and fondly recall many fun times together. My prayers to his family and friends.
Condolences to the family. Grew up a block from Steve and played football in high school with him.
Very sorry for your family’s loss. May God grant you His grace and peace.
Loving thoughts and prayers for your family from the whole Pat and Dick Sullivan Family. We love You All!
My deepest sympathy to Steve’s family; I too was hoping to reconnect as a dear friend since his return to Q town. Such fond memories that go way back to the old neighborhood on south side of town!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I learned only recently from a mutual friend that Steve was back in Quincy. Though we lost contact over the years, he was a great high school friend and one with whom I’d hoped to reconnect. Please accept my condolences and those of Anne, as well.