Joseph Shultz was born in Chelsea and was a lifelong resident of
the city residing at 42 Clark Avenue. He attended the local schools,
received a B. A. degree from the University of Maine in 1931, and a
M. A. degree from Harvard University in 1932. Mr. Shultz joined the
local school system in 1933 and taught at the Shurtleff School until
1941, when he entered the service in World War 2. He was appointed
submaster upon his return in 1946, and held this post until 1951. He
was transferred as submaster to the Carter School that year, and in
1953, he was appointed as headmaster. When the school burned on March
11, 1971, he carried on with his duties at the Williams School. Mr.
Shultz was considered one of the most brilliant educators in the
local school annals. He was responsible for many of the innovations
and improvements in the school system.
In addition to his long service as an educator, Mr. Shultz had an
even longer career in the military which began with ROTC in college.
In World War 2, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel with the 81st
Infantry Division, and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He took
part in many campaigns as the division’s plans and operations staff
officer. After the war he became chief of staff for the Hachinohe
Military District in Japan. After returning to the United States he
was promoted to colonel and continued in the active reserves as plans
and training officer of the 94th Infantry Division and director of
training at the Boston U. S. Army Reserve School.
In professional societies, Mr. Shultz held membership in Phi Beta
Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, The Massachusetts Teachers Federation and the
Schoolmen of Massachusetts. He also belonged to the Reserve Officers
Association and the Harvard University Alumni Association. He was
married to Anne W. (Weiner) and had two sons, Arnold and Gerald. He
died unexpectedly at the Brooks Hospital in Brookline. He is buried
at the Poale Zedek Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts.
