Charles (Chuck) Schuster

Charles (Chuck) Schuster, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, in the supportive care of the VA Hospice center in Albuquerque, NM after a long battle with cancer. Chuck was born in Camden, NJ on June 3rd, 1948.

Chuck was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served a year in Vietnam as a medic in 1968. Aside from his service, Chuck also had a widely varied career where he worked as an upholsterer, teacher's assistant, and salesman. After a brief time working for the Santa Fe Trading Company in Atlantic City, Chuck fell in love with Native American culture and artistry. In 1999, Chuck relocated to Albuquerque, NM to explore more of the rich southwestern culture and arts. Chuck came to work for Tom and Laura Baker at the Tanner Chaney Gallery in Old Town Albuquerque in 2000 where he delved into the lives of the Mata Ortiz potters. He could recount complex family histories with interesting anecdotes, regaling anyone who wanted to listen about the talented potters and their beautiful and unique pottery. People sought him out. People still come into the gallery asking for the gentleman with the wealth of knowledge about Mata Ortiz. Chuck was a trusted, important employee of Tanner Chaney, but moreso, he was a good friend to the other employees and to the owners. He took care of the house and animals for Tom and Laura, hosted dinners at his home, and included friends to performances at the University concert hall.  He had many friends in Old Town, who knew his slight frame walking to work in the morning in his car coat and dapper hat. He always had a friendly greeting and a moment to stop and catch up on their lives.  Anyone who knew him will remember him on the balcony at the store every morning eagerly raising the flag to fly over all of Old Town.  They can hear his roar of laughter.  And they can remember his hugs.  The best genuine hugs, holding on tight. Chuck is survived by his brother, Fred Schuster, his great nephew, Nick Schuster, and many close friends. He is and will be so missed.

Services will be held for Chuck Sunday, January 14th, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - University. A reception will follow at Fiesta's Restaurant located at 4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Chuck's ashes will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe on Tuesday, January 16th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Chuck's name to Angels Above Home Care to help support veterans remain in the comfort of their homes.