Allan Schmidt (Al) passed away on December 17, 2025 with his wife of 51 years, Ellie, and his sister, Lisa Kay Butts, by his side at the home he built for his beloved family, 41 years ago this month, in beautiful Landenberg, PA.
Al is survived by his wife, Ellie; three children, Alana Billingsley of Burbank, CA, Kyle Schmidt (Sara) of Fresno, CA, and Kelsey Schmidt of Downingtown, PA; and three grandchildren, Emmet and Albert Billingsley and Sam Kojaku. He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Kay Butts (Tim) of Cape Coral, FL, and his brother, Karlton Schmidt of Dover, DE. In addition, Al leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews and the entire O’Sullivan Clan with cherished memories of their “Honorary Irishman” who loved them all and could lead a sing along with the best of them. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anne Schmidt and his much beloved brother, Bruce Schmidt.
Al was born in Hazelton, PA in October 1948 to Henry and Anne Schmidt. He was raised in Dover, DE where he excelled at golf at a young age and showed his dedication to the game by practicing into the dark at Maple Dale CC. Al played on the golf team at Dover H.S and pursued his passion for the game by playing in the Delaware Amateurs in the 1970’s. Al was a long time member of Three Little Baker’s CC Men’s Golf League in Pike Creek, DE and Chisel Creek Men’s and Couple’s League in Landenberg, PA. Al was also a proud Veteran and served in the United States Army in Vietnam, 1968-1969, during the Tet Offensive.
In the 1990’s, Al coached young baseball players with Avon Grove Little League Phillies for 7 years, cherishing the time with Kyle and his friends. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, inviting his children’s troops to his carpentry shop to make special gifts at Christmas time. Those unique projects still decorate many homes in Landenberg today.
To know Al was to know his energy and passion for every passion he pursed. When he took an interest in bass fishing, he bought a boat ( and then 3!), joined The Bass Federation of America and a Delaware Bass Fishing Club and traveled the East Coast to compete in tournaments. Al enjoyed meeting this new community of men with a shared love of bass fishing and a common competitive spirit. He took great joy in sharing this pastime with his children and grandsons. When Kelsey showed an aptitude for fishing Al joined Sunset Lake Fishing Club in Newark, DE and bought a small boat just for Kelsey to join him at a local fishing spot. When he traveled to CA he hired a fishing guide near Alana’s house, a tradition Alana continues today with the boys.
Al briefly attended University of Delaware but quickly realized his talents lay in carpentry and construction. He worked for United Modular of Delaware and in 1974 founded Designed Improvements which he owned and operated for 40 years, focusing on home renovations and later moving to commercial construction projects. He gradually acquired properties and founded Henry Property Management and Certified Home Inspections. His energy and creativity were boundless.
With his entrepreneurial spirit and sharp mind for business, Al had positioned himself for a comfortable retirement where he could pursue all his passions of fishing, golf and woodworking in his fully equipped carpentry shop, but, just as he retired, Al’s health began to deteriorate. His parting message to everyone is to not work so hard that you delay all the fun pursuits life offers. Go enjoy those passions while you can!
In lieu of flowers, Al has requested that donations be sent, in his memory, to: Brian’s House 757 Springdale Drive Exton, PA 19341. Brian’s House has provided a wonderful life-long home for Kelsey and many others who have intellectual challenges.
In lieu of a funeral service Al, who always loved a party, has requested one last bash in his memory. Date and time to be shared by the family.
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