Gerald J. Schmitt

Gerald J. Schmitt, 85

Troy, NY - Gerald J. Schmitt, 85, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy.

Gerry was born in East Bristol, WI on July 30, 1925 to Reynold and Marcella (Derr) Schmitt. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was a Cryptographic Technician in a signal corps company in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. He encoded and decoded classified messages and handled secret communications and maintained cryptographic files. He was awarded with the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, American Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, and the Victory Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Army he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and majored in Engineering and Mathematics.

Gerry was employed by Columbus Milk Producers, then Alto Coop Creamery in Astico, WI for over 20 years. He also worked for Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company, Richland Building Systems and Enerpac in Columbus, Wisconsin before moving to Troy, NY to be with his family. He retired from Ross Valve Mfg. Co., Inc., Troy, NY in 2002 after 12 years of employment.

He was an avid sports lover and his passion for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers was renowned. He rose to the occasion of witnessing the Packers win in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011. He was ecstatic they took the Lombardi trophy home to Wisconsin.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia L. (Gabrielse) Schmitt of Troy, NY, brother Allen (Patricia) Schmitt of Columbus, WI, his son, Kerry Schmitt, LaCanada, CA, daughters, Kathleen (Frank) Picarelli, N. Richland Hills, TX and Lynn (Andy) Ross of Troy, NY. Grandchildren, Joseph & Michael Schmitt, John & Jane Picarelli, and Adam, Evan & Isabella Ross. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Beatrice Weisensel, brothers, Bernard, Donald, Ralph, and Henry Schmitt.

Funeral service will be held Friday at 11:30 AM at the Our Lady of Victory Church 55 North Lake Avenue Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Randall Patterson, Pastor.

Relatives and friends may call at the CHURCH on Friday from 9:30-11:30 AM .

Interment will be in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Gerald J. Schmitt to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 or American Heart Association,440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.

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