Curtis Bernard Schelzel, 78, passed away on July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 15, 1947, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Curt was the son of Bernard and Lauretta (Walsh) Schelzel and the brother of George Schelzel, all of whom predeceased him.

A 1965 graduate of Manchester Memorial High School, Curt went on to graduate from New Hampshire Technical College in 1967 before earning a degree from the Butera School of Art in Boston in 1977. His artistic training remained a lifelong thread in both his work and his passions. He proudly served his country as a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969.

Curt dedicated 55 years to Local 131 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Welders, spending much of his career in the fabrication shop at Northern Peabody. He took tremendous pride in his work and believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

The Merrimack River was home for virtually all of Curt’s adult life. It witnessed family gatherings, boat rides, celebrations, quiet evenings, and the everyday moments that made up a life well lived.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Deborah (Stockwell) Schelzel; his daughter, Katie Schelzel, and granddaughter, Kacie Schelzel; his stepson, Daniel Crandall, his wife, Esther, and their children, Cyler, Katriel, Lochlan, Auggie, and Bennie; and his stepdaughter, Sandra Serie, her husband, Joshua, and their children, Jack and Kate.

Curt was ridiculously smart and endlessly talented. He could fix, build, or improve just about anything, regardless of the material or size. Whether he was fabricating at work, hand-lettering signs before vinyl existed, pinstriping custom cars, building hot rods and Corvettes, or working alongside a traveling Super Modified race team, he brought an artist’s eye and a craftsman’s precision to everything he touched.

He was larger than life—equal parts impossible and wonderful. Stubborn enough to drive everyone crazy, fiercely loyal to those he loved, and never one to do anything halfway, Curt left an impression wherever he went. He had a quick wit, an unforgettable personality, and a way of making ordinary moments anything but ordinary.

Above all, Curt loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an especially proud Grampy. His family will remember not only his many talents, but also his generosity, his resilience, and the countless stories that will continue to be shared for generations.

In accordance with Curt’s wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest with military honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen during a private family interment. A family remembrance luncheon will be held after the military service and a friend's remembrance get together will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Curt's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit csnh.com.