Stanley W Schmitt

Stanley William Schmitt Jr., passed away on November 21, 2023, surrounded by his wife and six adoring children. Stan was 93 years old and lived with his wife of 67 years, Geraldine (Gerry), in Charlotte North Carolina.

Stan was born on May 4, 1930 in Ridgewood, New Jersey to Stanley W. and Bertha (Kenly) Schmitt. He was the younger of two children and is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elizabeth McClain. After high school, Stan attended Lehigh University and graduated with the class of 1951, with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He began working for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware in the research lab, and after several years, chose to volunteer for the United States draft. Stan served for two years in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in England. While waiting to be called up, he met his wife, Gerry, on a blind date.

They were married in Wilmington, Delaware on February 2, 1957, and they were blessed with 6 children, five daughters and one son. They resided in Wilmington and later, Hockessin until 1996 when Stan retired from Dupont after 38 years with the company. A few years later, Stan and Gerry relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and have lived there ever since.

Stan had many accomplishments which include completing a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Delaware and working as a professor at Drexel University, working on the development of Neoprene while in the lab at Dupont, and qualifying for MENSA International (a global organization for people who are at or above the 98th percentile for intelligence) after taking his Graduate Record Exam.

Stan was an avid reader who was rarely seen without a book in his hands. He loved teaching, building model airplanes and electronics, camping across the country with his family, and fishing. Stan also had a passion for photography and especially enjoyed capturing the beautiful scenery in the Southwest. He extended his love of music by singing in church and community choirs with his wife, a highlight of which was traveling to Italy to sing for Pope John Paul II. Stan and Gerry shared a love of classical music, traveling, the performing arts, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine (Seaberg) Schmitt; six children Jennifer Lighthall (Peter Evans), Stephen Schmitt (Anne), Claudia Micare, Claire Craighill (Peyton) Erika Michelis, Eva Schmitt-Robbins (Graham); and 11 beloved grandchildren. Stan was loved by all who knew him and lived his life with an unwavering devotion to Gerry and his children. His love for his family was unmatched and his kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, and love of life will live on in all of us. We have immeasurable gratitude for being blessed by his love as a husband and father.

A private family graveside service will be held on December 8, 2023, with a memorial service to follow in January 2024.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com