Arthur Ira Shultes

Arthur Ira Shultes, passed away on October 18, 2026, in Schenectady, New York. Son of the late Raymond and Charlotte Blodgett Shultes. Beloved husband of the late Margaret (Peg) Shultes. He lived a life marked by devotion to his family, steadfast service to his community, and a deep love for the Berne area that remained evident in the many ways he gave of himself over the years. 

Arthur graduated from Berne-Knox high school and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, on July 8, 1953. Their marriage of 55 years was the foundation of a family that remained central to his life. Arthur was a lifetime member of the Berne Fire Company for 72 years. He served in many important roles, including Chief, District Chief, President, and Secretary. He also gave his time serving on committees for the Roast Beef dinners, Hunters' Breakfasts, and annual clambakes. Beyond Berne, he served Albany County for 30 years as Deputy Fire Coordinator for the Hilltowns. 

Arthur's commitment to young people and local athletics was another defining part of his life. He was inducted into the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Hall of Fame in 2021. He was instrumental in Berne youth baseball programs, coaching the Berne Yankees for many years and starting the first Babe Ruth team for the Hilltowns. In the 1970s, he was also one of the first coaches for the modified boys basketball program at BKW. Many will remember seeing him watch the girls softball team from his chair on the hill or basketball from his seat in the bleachers. 

His faith and church life were also important to him. Arthur was a member of Schenectady Reformed Church and a former member of Berne Reformed Church, where he served on the Consistory for many years. He found joy in time spent with family and friends. He loved camping and boating at Sacandaga on weekends, especially vacations at Fish Creek Ponds, spring breaks at Myrtle Beach or pool parties in his back yard. 

Arthur is survived by his children, Cathy (Robert) Allen; Kevin (Christine Flanagan) Shultes; and Kyle (Paula) Shultes; his grandchildren Timothy (Amanda) Allen, Jessica (Dom) Santabarbara, Shaun (Sarah) Allen, Stacey (John)Connor, Shannon (Randal)Thomas, Kendall Shultes, Allison (James) Goodwin, and Meredith (John) Bernhard and his Great Grandchildren; McKenna, Jack, DeClan Connor, Charlotte and Maria Santabarbara, Miles Allen, Audrey Josie and Ozzy Bernhard and Sister Elizabeth (Albert) Tedeschi. 

In addition to his wife and parents, Arthur was predeceased by his sibling, Raymond H Shultes.

A funeral service will be celebrated for Arthur on Saturday October 24, at 11:AM in the First Reformed Church of Berne. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Berne, Friends and family are welcome and invited to a reception from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Berne Volunteer Fire Company, 30 Canaday Hl Rd, Berne. 

In lieu of flowers kindly consider memorial contributions to the Berne - Knox - Westerlo High School Po Box 187, Berne, New York, 12023, attention: Art and Peg Shultes Memorial Athletic Scholarship Program. Berne Fire Company PO Box 187 Berne, NY 12023