Louis H. (Lou) Schemitz, former car sales manager for Kings Plaza and Fred Astaire Dance Instructor, passed away in Staten Island University Hospital on January 4, 2021, after an intense battle with Lymphoma and COPD
Lou was born in Brooklyn, raised in Ozone Park but lived most of his life in Grasmere, Staten Island. He served in Vietnam in the 173rd Infantry as sharpshooter.
While he loved dance and was regarded as the studio’s perfectionist Patrick Swayze, Lou’s real passion was cars. His Toyota MR2 was his baby and his dream car which he had recently purchased was his 2019 Corvette. Lou was highly competitive at everything. He loved his Toyota MR2; loved racing both cars at all auto cross events and always took 1st Place.
While an instructor, he met Lori Anne Buttermark. There was an instant attraction but since there could be no fraternizing between instructor and student, they became and remained excellent friends. They both left the studio in 2001 at which time they dated and became a couple for life. Lou regarded Lori as the Boars Ham since dance was and remains her only passion.
Lori said Lou was a very quiet, low key, low profile guy with a dry sense of humor but a great listener. Anything shared with him in confidence he would carry to the grave.
She also said I have lost the love of my life, my dance partner, the Captain of my heart and my own Patrick Swayze.
Lou is survived by his fiancée, Lori Anne Buttermark also of the Grasmere address, his Nephew Robert Sibilla (Jennifer), grandnephew, Brayden; grandnieces, Alissa, Caylee of Arizona. Cousin Karen Blaney (Chuck), Tommy Blaney. He is predeceased by his parents, Rita and Louis Schemitz, sister Barbara Howell and cousin James Blaney.
Viewing: Casey Funeral Home
350 Slosson Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-447-4242
Thurs. Jan 14 – 3pm-7pm
Funeral
10AM Mass from St. Sylvester’s Church
856 Targee St. (Corner Clove)
Concord, Staten Island 10304
Burial
St. Peters Cemetery
Staten Island, NY
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave behind when day is done.
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