In Memory of Robert Schmitt
Robert Leroy Schmitt
Spouse: Rhonda Schmitt
Children: Mindy, Michael, Emily, Eric
Birthdate: July 25, 1948
Blessing: December 22, 1976
Ascension: July 19, 2022
Robert “Bob” Leroy Schmitt was a loving husband, brother, uncle, father of four and grandfather of four. He left this world too suddenly on July 19, 2022. Born on July 25, 1948, in Peoria, IL to Leroy Harlan Schmitt and Mamie Irby Black, Bob was the elder brother of Thomas Schmitt of Peoria, IL.
Bob’s favorite memories of his childhood were playing cowboys, and later playing army, with his friends and brother. He spoke often of visits to his aunt in Marietta, OK, where he rode the famed Super Chief train. In high school, he ran track and field and was a pitcher for the baseball team. He participated in Boy Scouts for many years and excelled in his studies.
Bob went on to Wabash College and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. During his college years, he met Rhonda at a summer job, and they were married in June of 1970. This, however, was during the Viet Nam war, and Bob was soon called to serve in the military. After basic training, he was assigned to a medical unit and spent most of his service at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he counseled soldiers returning from the war as well as their families.
It was in Kansas in 1973 that Bob and Rhonda met members of the Unification Church and were called to lead a missionary life. They received the Marriage Blessing in December, 1976. In the early days Bob pioneered as state leader in Idaho and would recall the days of going on bicycles to fundraise with peanuts. He attended the Unification Theological Seminary and graduated as a part of the second class.
During Bob’s time pioneering in England, his and Rhonda’s first daughter, Mindy, was born in New York, where they lived before moving to Belleville, NJ in 1982. He worked for Going Up Press and later as a pressman for Noticias del Mundo. Later, when the church began an elementary school, he moved on to teaching and working at summer camps, and he finally got certified as a special ed teacher. Bob worked at Clifton High in New Jersey for 13 years. He was a popular teacher who loved his students but had to retire early due to health problems.
Bob loved music, especially blues and rock-and-surf rock, and he was a proficient blues guitar player. The neighborhood around the house would often ring with blaring blues riffs coming from inside his room. He loved his family and spent much time with his kids in their younger years playing outside, going to parks, riding bikes and having epic water balloon fights. He had a great sense of humor and a playful side that everyone loved. In later years, he enjoyed visiting with and playing with his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa” and “Pop-Pop.”
Bob also had a great love of animals, and he became somewhat of an icon in the neighborhood as he cared for a colony of stray cats he dubbed “Kittyville.” His own two cats, and his dog, Sanders, also brought him much joy. He often remarked on the miracles of creation that his animals represented and couldn’t understand how anyone could deny God’s existence.
Bob is survived by his wife, Rhonda; four children, Mindy, Michael, Emily and Eric; and four grandchildren, Charlie, Luc, Ben and Cooper; his brother, Tom, and family; many extended family members and friends who he’s touched over the years; and his furry children, who will no doubt miss him greatly.
Seonghwa Ceremony
A small Seonghwa service was held at the Clifton Family Church on July 22 with family members. A memorial service followed on July 29 at the Clifton church with the Wonjeon ceremony at Crest Haven memorial park in Clifton.
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
Schmitt Family
417 Cortlandt St.
Belleville, NJ 07109