Obituary of Frederick Schmitt

Frederick Peter Schmitt, 84, of Montclair, N.J. passed away on August 8, 2011 surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary K. (Hewes) Schmitt. Fred was born September 21, 1926 in Colwyn, PA. and raised in Darby, PA. Prior to graduating from Darby High School in 1945, he was drafted into the US Army during WWII and served in the Pacific. Fred and Mary enjoyed a fabulous marriage for 47 years until her passing in 1997. Fred is survived by nine children, Mary Abell (Doug) of Little Falls, N.J., Frederick Jr. (Nancy) of Clayton, N.Y., Robert (Tricia) of Holliston, MA., Karen Cauceglia (Henry) of West Caldwell, Anne von Hoffmann (Peter) of Montclair, John (Johanna) of Montclair, Margaret Shaw (John) of Landenberg, PA., James (Jennifer) of Glen Ridge and Thomas (Lauren) of Montclair. He leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Fred is also predeceased by his parents George and Helen Schmitt and his brother George Schmitt. He is survived by his sister Catherine Dowds of Sharon Hill, PA. and brother Charles Walter of Kentucky. For 38 years Fred worked for Kraft Foods, starting in Philadelphia and rising to Sales Executive in New York. After moving to Montclair, Fred lent his support and became an integral part of the Lacrosse Club of Montclair. He oversaw the development of the junior program, was one of the founders and organizers of the Gil Gibbs High School All Star Game and in 1994 he was named NJ Lacrosse Man of the Year. His impact was so great that he was inducted into the NJ Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1998. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home 76 Park Street in Montclair. A Mass and Christian burial will follow on Friday, August 12 at 10am at Our Lady of Lake Church, 32 Lakeside Avenue, Verona where he has been an active member for more than 20 years. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Lacrosse Club of Montclair, 1 Capron Lane, Montclair, N.J. 07042 or the charity of your choice.