Dr. Dale R. Schultz

Dr. Dale R. Schultz, 76, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022 at his home in Paradise Valley surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on June 5, 1945 in Detroit Michigan to his parents Roderick and Patricia. He graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Michigan. In 1968, he married Rita Costello and raised two sons: Christopher (Karla) and Matthew (Nicolle). In 1998, Dale married Andrea Retkowski who loved and cared for him for 23 years until his passing. They raised one son, Dillon. Dale has four grandchildren: Adrian, Cory, Beau and Madison; and two great-grandchildren: Grayson and Rylee.

Dale's passion was his career and his family. After his residency he found his calling in neurology. He was awarded a highly sought after residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he became the Assistant Chief of Neurology at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver Colorado. Dale was recruited to Arizona in 1975 to be the first D.O. neurologist in the State. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the Board of Neuropsychiatry. He became Director of Neurology at Phoenix General Hospital and ran successful practices throughout the Metropolitan Phoenix area for over 40 years.

Throughout his career as an esteemed clinician, champion, teacher, trainer, mentor, colleague, and friend, Dr. Schultz touched the lives of countless physicians and patients. He instructed approximately 1,000 students, interns, and residents over a 40-year period. He set a high bar expecting nothing less than the absolute best in providing patient care, achieving optimal outcomes, and establishing top personal goals and expectations.

While managing a busy career, he still managed to be an amazing and supportive husband, a best-friend and a wonderful father who loved to throw parties, bring his family together for gatherings, travel, and live every moment to the fullest. There were so many that knew him and who would describe him in so many different ways because of the way he lived in the various arenas of his life.

Dale retired in 2018. During his long and storied career, he received numerous awards including Phoenix Magazines TOP DOC in 2007 and 2010, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Osteopathic Medicine who made him an Honorary Life Member. He continued to be on staff at Barrow Neurologic Institute and a member of the Academy of Neurology.

Dale will truly be missed by all who know, love, and respect him.

There will be a viewing and reception at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary-6500 E Bell Rd in Scottsdale on Tuesday March 1 from 5pm-7pm, with a Celebration of Life starting at 7:00pm

The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/679302410

David M Parrack DO FACOS wrote on Mar 1, 2022:

"Dale was a brilliant physician who never failed to lend insight and a brilliant diagnosis to any patient lucky enough to be under his care. He and I were members of the PGH INTERN SELECTION COMMITTEE for many years and worked many long hours trying to select the very best candidates many of whom went on in PGH residencies and later became productive members of our PGH staff. Dale could be so serious one minute and then crack a joke the next that would have us all in tears! His annual house staff parties will never be forgotten. His loyalty for our DO profession was one of his passions. As an educator he was superb! I was blessed to have him as a trusted colleague, my neurologist in later years, and most of all as a great friend! God speed Dale! Prayers to the family at this difficult time?. David M. Parrack DO FACOS"

Bradford Croft wrote on Feb 28, 2022:

"Thank you for being the compass, the inspiration, the mentor, and the example of the best a doc can be. Bradford Croft, DO"

Maria Soriano, MD wrote on Feb 28, 2022:

"Dr. Dale Schultz... the great physician, my personal neurologist and friend and esteemed colleague! I met Dale in 2002 when I started at the then John C. Lincoln Deer Valley as a young Internal Medicine hospitalist. We worked so closely together as we always shared many patients per week. I learned so much from him and he was always so receptive to questions and so generous with his time and sharing of his knowledge. I thought he was always pressed for time but would really take the time to educate if needed or advise if needed. I seriously thought the world will be a much better place if many people are like Dale.. Saying that he was "highly respected and admired" cannot even give justice to who he was in his field. He was brilliant! When I needed a neurologist myself, there was no question about it. I had no name in my mind for help but his. He was always professional and through the years, we became friends. He told me about his sons and in fact, he even rounded during the weekends with his young son Dillon then in the early 2002- 2006. When we had a patient who was always "crying wolf", he told me the story of his parent. I felt so honored being his friend and colleague. Years later, he just concentrated on clinic patients and clinic work and we would only see each other in the physicians' lounge and through the years, many physicians who knew him held absolute respect and admiration for his intelligence and dedication to his profession. Dale, rest in peace and know that I am so honored for the privilege of having been your friend and colleague. You are sorely missed and so loved. My sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. Maria Divina Soriano, MD "

Marsha Jovic wrote on Feb 25, 2022:

"I had the privilege of working with Dr Schultz in the ICU and I was also a patient of his. He was an excellent physician with a no-nonsense attitude, very diligent and thorough. So sorry to hear of his passing and for his family's loss. Marsha J RN"