Retired Schutt's Apple Mill owner dies

Charles Schutt, the second generation to run Schutt's Apple Mill, at 1063 Plank Road in Penfield, is being remembered as the person who had the foresight to shape a humble cider mill into the iconic landmark it is today. He died Monday at the age of 92.

"When you walk in the door and you look at that place, a lot of it is his vision," said Evan Schutt, his grandson, who currently owns the family business.

Charles was born and raised in Penfield, near the Webster border, in a house across the street from the mill. The Schutt family started farming there in 1900. Charles' father, Paul Schutt, launched Schutt's Cider Mill in 1918. Paul ran the business first with one brother, Carl, then with another, Verne.

Charles bought out Verne's share in the early 1960s after serving in the Navy in World War II. While Charles had less of a knack for farming than his father, he added marketing acumen and customer service skills, said Evan. Charles, together with his wife, Theresa, converted the mill into a year-round country store, adding cheeses, dried fruits and baked goods, which are still being sold at the store today. 

Charles retired in 1985 and stepped away to allow his son, Martin, to implement his own vision. Charles and Theresa then enjoyed living on Keuka Lake and spending winters in Florida.   

Charles and Theresa recently returned to the area, and Charles began visiting the mill twice daily, Evan said. He enjoyed talking to customers, some of whom remembered him from when he owned the mill. 

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"I loved it because I talked to him every day," said Evan. He appreciated having his grandfather's guidance and perspective as he transitioned to owning the business in 2015, taking over from his father, Martin.

Charles helped pick peaches at the farm as recently as at the age of 91. Last summer, Charlies continued his annual tradition of picking the apples from the farm's last remaining Snow Apple tree, one of the oldest known apple varieties, picking two bushels in all.

Evan said that he and his family are grateful for the hard work and vision of his grandfather.

"That mill has pretty much been keeping my family in a good life for three generations," he said.

Charles Schutt is survived by his wife of 67 years, Theresa, as well as a brother, four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 131 West Main St. in Webster.   

TRACYS@Gannett.com