Gerald P. "Tuffy" Schatzel Jr.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Sunday January 7, 2024 from 2 to 6 PM.  A funeral procession will form Monday January 8, 2024 10 AM at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM at Saint Mary's Church.

Cremation will be held privately.

Gerald P. "Tuffy" Schatzel, Jr., 59, of Kingston died Monday January 1, 2024 at HealthAlliance Hospital, Mary's Avenue Campus with his daughters by his side. Born June 30, 1964 in Kingston, the son of Gerald P. Schatzel Sr. and the late Marlene (Carpino) Schatzel.

Tuffy began his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the Town of Lloyd in May of 1989 until October of 1990. He was later hired as a patrolman in 1990 by the City of Kingston where he achieved the rank of detective in 1998. After serving almost 22 years in law enforcement, Tuffy retired from KPD as a detective in 2011. After retirement, he became an investigator with the the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.  Although still involved in law enforcement, Tuffy spent most of his days working alongside his father helping to manage their family business, GMS Construction. When he wasn't at the job site with his father, Tuffy spent his time with his family or learning how to fly helicopters at the Kingston Airport—a hobby which he was so proud of.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are his daughters, Katie Pape and her husband Michael, Brittany Counts and her husband Nick and Marissa Olsen and her husband David;  his girlfriend, Renée Thomas;  his five grandchildren, Preston, Carter, Brody Pape, Colton and Wyatt Counts.  His brothers and sisters, Linda Schatzel, Michael Schatzel, Theresa Schatzel and Peter Schatzel.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

The Schatzel family would like to thank Bill Spadafora, John King, Jimmy McGowan, cousin Tommy Carpino, and Cheryl and Tim Bowers for their continued love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to Hudson Valley Helicopters, 1161 Flatbush Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 or by email to hvhelicopters@yahoo.com.