Obituary of Robert E. Schmidt, Sr.

Robert E. Schmidt, Sr-Rockaway

    Robert “Bob” E. Schmidt, Sr., 89, died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 23, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on September 26, 1930 in Riverside, NJ as the second of what would be four children in his family.   He grew up in Maple Shade, NJ and attended Moorestown High School for 3 years.  After his father took another job, the family moved to Succasunna in the northern part of the state.  Bob was a 1948 graduate of Roxbury High School.  

    Shortly after high school, he became a member of the US Navy from 1950 to 1954, last serving as an AB3 Petty Officer aboard the USS Boxer CV-21 aircraft carrier. He proudly served during the Korean Conflict and traveled extensively in the Pacific region enjoying many ports of call in Asia and along the West Coast of the United States.

    After his time in the Navy, Bob worked for Reaction Motors in Denville doing various tasks.  It was there in 1955 he met his sweetheart, Patricia (Whitehead).  Beginning in 1956, he attended college at Upsala College in East Orange, NJ.  On September 6, 1958, Bob and Patricia would marry at Denville Community Church and begin their journey together.  During this time, Patricia was a devoted wife and supported Bob’s studies and earned her PHT, or “Pushed Hubby Through”,degree.  Bob received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1960 from Upsala and began a long and successful career in the insurance industry.  His last position was Litigation Manager.  He retired from Selective Insurance in 1997.  

    Bob was a resident of Rockaway, NJ since 1959 where he and Patricia raised a family with three children.  He was a strong, steady force in his family and would travel far and wide to make sure his kids were taken care of.  Whether cooking meals, taking long road trips, or dedicating time, he was an active participant in their lives.

    In his time away from work and family, Bob enjoyed sports.  As a dominant pitcher, his nickname was “Ace” on the softball field in his younger years.  He liked watching any of his kids’activities or sporting events.   Over time, as the family expanded, he became known as Pop-Pop and dedicated his time and energy to going to all of the grandkids’ events.  

    Bob enjoyed vacationing often in Maine with family and friends.  He and Patricia had annual trips to Vermont and Pennsylvania, and took adventures to many other places over the years.    They enjoyed their vacations and time together.  Bob, Dad, Pop-Pop, Mr. Schmidt, had a great sense of humor and often would joke with a funny riddle or one-liner.  He was an animal lover and enjoyed feeding chipmunks, birds, and squirrels. 

    Bob and Pat have been lifelong members of Denville Community Church.  Although we are broken-hearted, his life will be celebrated at their church and we will thank him for a job well done.  

    He leaves beautiful memories to his Patricia of 61 years; his children Susan Mathious (Art), Jennifer Chuss and Robert Jr. (Kerry); his grandchildren Kristen and Brian Mathious, Nicolette and Kendra Chuss; and Evan and Kayleigh Schmidt; his great-grandchildren Aubree, Brayleigh and Briley; his brother Ronald E. Schmidt; his sister Nancy Nester; many nieces and nephews and his caregiver, Veronica.  He was predeceased by his sister, Carol Saccomanno in 2016.  

Visitation will be on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 3-7pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue in Denville, NJ.   Service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00am at the Denville Community Church, 190 Diamond Spring Rd in Denville.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org  

Please share your memories here.  Bob’s family will cherish them forever.