Claud Henry Schuckers, Jr., 64, of Sherman, NY, passed away on February 12, 2026, with his loving companion, Katherine Stuart, by his side. He was born September 6, 1961, in Pittsburgh, PA to Barbara A. Schuckers (née Sherwood) and the late Claud H. Schuckers, Sr.

Claud spent his formative years between Corning, New York, and Chautauqua Lake in Western New York, graduating from Corning East High School in 1979. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Corning Community College, and the State University of New York at Fredonia where he received a bachelor's degree in 1984. He relocated to Largo, Florida, before returning to New York State and becoming a production supervisor at Corning Incorporated.

Family, friends, and music were central to Claud's life. Wanderlust led him across the country; family and friends drew him back.

Music dominated Claud's academic career from the high school band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and All County and All State music programs to the Corning Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, summer music program at Chautauqua Institution, and Fredonia Jazz Ensemble. He practiced duets on trombone accompanied by his father on piano or organ and spent endless hours improvising to albums of jazz greats like Tommy Dorsey.

Inspired by Jerry Garcia, Claud devoted his time to singing and playing the music of the Grateful Dead. He played solo and in numerous tribute bands, most recently with The Grateful Dans. He traveled the region with his trombone and guitar, playing alongside myriad local musicians and regularly hosted open mic nights at local venues.

Claud was a person of influence, jokester, and master of improvisation, chess and puns. He touched all he met throughout the seasons of his life. He was a mentor, guide, big brother, uncle, son, soulmate, and best friend who challenged us to follow our dreams, believe in ourselves, be kind, and "do the next right thing".

In addition to his mother of Mayville, NY, Claud is survived by his step-mother Margaret Schuckers of Corning, NY; siblings Stephanie Schuckers Burdo of Jamestown and Douglass Schuckers (Shelly Fisher) of Hammondsport, NY; niece Zoë Beynon Burdo (Hannah) of Winchester, UK and their son Tanwyn; nephew Oliver Burdo (Leala Farnsworth) of Naples, NY and their children Brayden Lane and Aspen Hawkins; and former spouse, Brigitte Baldwin of Painted Post, NY.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, March 15, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown. Memorials may be made to St. Susan Center or Infinity Performing Arts in Jamestown.