Gill, MA – Rick Schuetz, born Theodore Richard Schuetz, was 78 when he passed on July 13th, 2026, due to health complications. Born to his parents June and Ted, he was the older brother of Heidi Schuetz, now living in Harwich, MA. He was raised in Manchester, CT, where he read vociferously in a treehouse that he built, spent many hours with his grandparents, and was the quintessential big brother to Heidi. After their father’s untimely death at 39, Rick channeled his grief into learning to play the drums. His next phase brought him to St. Michael’s College in VT, where he met several lifelong friends. They enjoyed many recreational activities, most importantly being transported by rock and roll and the blues.
Rick’s next adventure led him and his friends to Cape Cod where they found jobs through the May Institute. This experience served as the spark for Rick’s interest in higher education in the field of psychology. While in pursuit of his master’s and doctorate in psychology at the University of Michigan, Rick went on a blind date with Kit Carpenter, now his wife of 45 years. Both graduate students recognized the depth of their connection and were married on June 23rd, 1981. Four short years later, they welcomed their daughter Jennie.
After several hospital jobs, Rick moved his family to Western Mass, where he worked as a clinical psychologist in both private and public capacities for over 30 years. Rick and his family enjoyed camping, swimming, summers on Cape Cod, biking, and many evenings spent in his second treehouse that he built, affectionately called, “the structure.” Finally, he devoted many hours developing curriculum to ensure that his daughter would receive her lifelong rock and roll education.
Rick is survived by his wife Kit Carpenter and daughter Jennie Schuetz; his sister Heidi, her husband Dan Wolf, and their three daughters Stella, Zoë, and Ruby who were also students of his musical tutelage. Rick will also miss his cousins, whom he was close to all his life. Rick was a drummer, an avid reader, and a writer. He was complicated, kind, curious, and had a sense of humor that was only matched by his untamed eyebrows.
Rick will be honored on October 3rd, surrounded by friends, family, and tunes at a location to be determined, and announced at a later date. In true Rick fashion, at the end of his life he still “walked before they made him run.”
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com
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