Frederick E. Schmitt, III

Frederick Emil Schmitt, III, age 85, died peacefully after a brave battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma and COVID on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

He was born in Manhattan, NY in 1937 to the late Frederick E. Schmitt, Jr. and Ethel Bache Schmitt. After graduating from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, Fred received a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and later an MBA from the University of Delaware. He began his Army career in 1960 as a 2nd LT and completed his Army Reserve obligation 30 years later as a Colonel. He was a graduate of US Army Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College. Fred received multiple awards and commendations throughout his military career to include the Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was a proud member of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Priory of the Delaware serving as Prior XIII from 1995-1997.

Fred was a 60 year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon, sang in the Westminster Choir, taught Sunday School, and volunteered in many other activities at the church. He also volunteered for Junior Achievement receiving the Chairman’s Award for his commitment and was a FISH volunteer for many years driving clients to medical appointments. He enjoyed the game of Bridge achieving the rank of Life Master.

Fred and his wife, Julie, loved to travel and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, the Holy Land, and many countries in Europe. In 2014 they moved from their home in Pembrey to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA where he was active with the Chess Club, Duplicate Bridge, Investment Group, Finance Lectures, Computer Club and Classical Music Group.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Julia M. Schmitt, his children, Dr. Margaret Schmitt (Marc), West Chester, PA, Ellen M. Meier (John), Atlanta, GA, grandchildren Zoe Marie Malavolta, Grace Massey Malavolta, Henry Willem Elvin, and Harrison Lake Elvin; his siblings, Donald B. Schmitt (Suzanne), Alan R. Schmitt, Evelyn (Sue) Schauber (Francis), Paul H. Schmitt (Susan), and half-brother David G. Finley (Helena), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Robert N. Schmitt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington, DE 19806.