Obituary of John David Schatz

John David Schatz, 69, of Burlington, died suddenly on December 13, 2015. Son of the late Dorothy (King) and John Thomas Schatz of Everett. Until his retirement, John was an attorney who devoted all of his professional life to teaching as director of the Suffolk University Law School’s Family Law Legal Assistance Bureau (SULAB), a clinical program where he supervised third-year law students in helping low income clients with divorce and child custody matters. Prior to that, while a third year Suffolk Law School student himself, he co-founded Beverly Legal Aid, providing general legal assistance to low income families. He was completely dedicated to his work and he received enormous satisfaction in training new lawyers in practical skills. John was a passionate and devoted sailor who spent many happy hours at sea on his boat, Evergreen. An equally passionate dog lover, he was often accompanied on the boat by his incomparable Labrador retrievers, the late and great Tassja and Silas. The three of them were quite a sight traveling from mooring to shore in their dinghy. He was an excellent cook and computer geek who loved building his own computers. He loved a fine wine. He also loved a well-engineered and loud stereo speaker. After retirement from teaching, he became the consummate tomato and herb gardener, happily sharing his bounty with his neighbors. He was saddened that a tasty green pepper eluded him. He will be greatly missed by his friends and neighbors. A gathering in his honor will take place on Sunday, December 21 at 11:30AM at the Charthouse on Long Wharf in Boston. Donations in John’s memory may be made to MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center, Buddy Dog in Sudbury or other reputable dog rescue organizations or shelters.