Understandably, Rob Schultheis’ family is struggling through a painful time, days after he was killed, but they’re close and that gives them strength, his brother, Paul, said.

“He was quite a guy. He was two years younger than I am and we were best friends,” Schultheis said about his 37-year-old sibling, who was hit by a driver while out running Friday evening.

“A vehicle swerved across the road. He was in the wrong spot at the wrong time,” his brother said.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office reported he was struck on Meadow Bridge Road in Fruitland, south of the Route 13 Bypass, around 7:30 p.m. A pickup truck driven by Brent M. Taylor of Eden hit him.

A resident of Fruitland and longtime district sales manager for Sysco Foods in Pocomoke City, Rob Schultheis had close ties to Salisbury University, where he majored in elementary education, and was later active in the alumni association.

“He was involved with SU and with the church,” said his brother, who established a college fund for his brother’s two children, 5-year-old Ben and 5-month-old Savannah. To contribute, see www.youcaring.com.

“He was best at anything he ever did. He was a family man, a church man, a work man. He ran. He had so many circles of friends. There has been such an outpouring of support, even nationwide from people who saw it on Facebook and wanted to help.

“The president of Sysco was here. The restaurants he serviced reached out. People have been asking, ‘What can we do?’” Paul Schultheis said.

“It’s a tough time for all of us. Obviously, we’re struggling but we will  make do because that’s what Rob would do. We’re a very strong family,” he said.

Viewing for his brother will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Holloway Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Asbury United Methodist Church. Afterward, there will be a celebration of his life at The Commons at Salisbury University.

“He was just as nice and genuine of a person as anything you could ask for. He wouldn’t hurt a soul. He would do anything for you.  He would. If you asked him for his pants and shirt, he would give them to you,” he said.

“You won’t find anybody who doesn’t have nice things to say about Rob,” a woman at Sysco, who answered the telephone, said.

SU President Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach released a statement calling his death “devastating.”

“A great dad and husband to his young family, he has been an enthusiastic, steadfast supporter of his alma mater. He joined the SU Alumni Association board of directors in 2004 and served three terms, with two as its president. He was honored with the board's Leadership Award for his selfless volunteerism in 2013. He also was the association's representative on the SU Foundation, Inc. board of directors.

“From regularly attending SU events, to giving back by generously naming a conference room in the Perdue School of Business, to presenting congratulatory gifts from the association to thousands of fellow graduates as they crossed the commencement stage, he has been a dedicated and loyal friend to this university. He loved SU and everyone knew it. Rob had a gift for making others feel valued and special; his warm and friendly presence will be missed,” Dudley-Eshbach said.

Jason Curtin of Alumni Relations at SU, who knew Schultheis since 1996, remembered his “great smile and attitude.”

“He was a dedicated, committed and passionate man who was equally funny and enjoyed all that life had to offer. His family, his friends, his work at Sysco, his community, including the university, and enjoyment of running and biking were all important to him.

“I’ll remember Rob as a man of integrity and who cared very deeply about others,” he said.

Heather Holmes, who also works at SU, and who knew Schultheis 15 years, agreed.

“He and I worked together in the Office of Student Activities, Organizations and Leadership. He enjoyed working with SU students and helping them develop their leadership skills. I loved being around him because he was always positive, energetic and passionate,” she said.

“He was the kindest person I have ever known. He never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings. When he left SU to pursue a career with Sysco he drove over to my house to tell me he was resigning and cried because he didn't want to disappoint me.

“Sysco was a great professional opportunity and the right move for Rob.  He was a giving and generous member of the SU family and the Sysco family. We all benefited from knowing him. I will remember him most for being a true friend, exceptional husband and father.  I will also remember his gift of gab which I am sure he got from his mom,” Holmes said.

“He was a fixture at university events -- homecoming, Sea Gull Century, graduations, alumni events --  and was a great ambassador for SU,” Curtin said.

“He made the area his home with his family and he will greatly be missed by all. I’ll miss seeing him.”