Obituary
Maury Schaps passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022, at age 79.
He was born in Chicago on July 18, 1943, to Frank “Babe” Schaps and Gladys Schaps. The family moved to Surfside, Florida when Maury was five. He and his sister, Sandra, enjoyed swimming at the beach, fishing in the canals, and playing at the park. As he grew older, he developed a strong interest in the weather-especially hurricanes. He would track them and once chose to stay on Miami Beach with a friend when one was approaching although the rest of the family evacuated.
Maury graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in physical education and taught in the Dade County Schools. It was at one of those schools that he met his wife, Diane. They enjoyed traveling with their three sons, Andy, Daniel, and Nate. They drove to the Miami Beach-Broward area to visit Maury’s mother, sisters, and friends when school was in session. As soon as school was out, they began RVing around the country beginning in Ohio at the Fourth of July picnic. The National Parks and Civil War sites were favorite destinations.
Maury loved sports-especially basketball, football, and baseball. Having spent many summers in Cincinnati with his grandparents, he was a die-hard Reds fan and could name everyone on the teams of the late 50’s and 60’s. But even more than rooting for his favorite teams or playing himself, he loved watching and coaching his sons. The stories shared whenever a group of former players get together are often funny and always positive when they talk about Coach Schaps.
Maury had many friends-a few going back to his childhood on Miami Beach. To some, he was known affectionately as “The Hammer” for his racetrack acumen, which he gladly shared with family and friends. His love of dogs extended to his personal life, where he helped raise six rescue dogs. He considered them part of the family.
In more recent times, he looked forward to family get togethers. Holidays were eagerly anticipated but he also enjoyed getting everyone together to draft fantasy football and baseball teams. Brackets for the NCAA tournament were printed as soon as the teams were announced for the long-standing contest enjoyed by friends and family. In everything he did, it was obvious that Maury just loved his family and his life.
Maury is survived by his wife, Diane; his sons, Andy (Kara) Schaps of Naples, Daniel Schaps of Tampa, and Nate Schaps of Naples; two grandchildren, Devin and Alexis; and his sister, Andrea (Nathaniel) Singer of San Diego.
Celebration of Life to be scheduled later.
Blessings, Milton
I remember when Maury and Larry won the horseshoe tournament at Steves. They were both so happy!
I know he loved his family unconditionally and was so proud of his boys. I'm glad he was my brother-in-law.
Rest in peace, Maury.
Joanie