.Richard F. Schmitt, 79, from Madison, Virginia, formerly of Mendon, Massachusetts, passed

away on Monday, October 17, 2022 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years Judy and 2 children, Richard F. Schmitt Jr and

his wife Maryann, and Beth S. Zimmerman and her husband James.

Richard was born on May 22, 1943 to Ralph and Catherine (Magerkurth) Schmitt in Jamaica,

NY and was raised in Houston, PA where he was a paperboy and avid trapper. He served 6

years as a “Tin Can Sailor” in the U.S. Navy, where he met the love of his life, Judith A Pugsley,

in Mayport, FL. After marrying on May 29th,1964 they settled in Hopedale, MA.

He was a proud grandfather of 4 granddaughters Kaitlyn, Meghan, Jessica, and Eden plus 3

bonus grandchildren Steven (Whitney), Philip (Carly), Shannon and her partner John, along with

his 3 beautiful, bonus great grands. Richard always loved the joy, laughter and family time they

had together.

After an internship with Patten’s Plumbing, he went on to create a successful business for 35

years, Richard F. Schmitt Plumbing and Heating. He sponsored young inspiring plumbers from

Blackstone Valley VocTech High School, and was the plumbing and gas inspector for the town

of Mendon, MA. He and Judy then retired to Madison, VA in 2009.

Richard took pleasure in fishing anywhere he could cast his line, from Alaska to Australia with

dreams of catching the “big one”. He took pride in his servitude to various groups, most notably

the Mendon Lions Club, where he received the distinguished International Melvin Jones Award

and served 2 terms as president. Additionally, he was a Mason and Aleppo Temple Shriner, a

volunteer Firefighter. In VA, he continued his community service with the American Legion, Post

157, and the Madison Lions Club and he was a deacon at the Fairview Christian Church in

Hood.

Richard is survived by 4 brothers, William, Douglas (Kathy), Raymond (Shirley), Gregory, sister

in laws Marsha (Bill), Joyce, God-daughter Michelle, best buddy Murphy and numerous nieces

and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his infant daughter Heather, brother Ralph,

and brother-in-law Ronald.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Rich with a donation to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, a charity he has supported for over 50 years- 3551 N Broad St. Philadelphia, PA, 19140 or

donorrelations@shrinenet.org, Fairview Christian Church, P. O. Box 19, Hood, Va. 22723 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Highway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA. 22911.

There will be a celebration of life on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11:00 am at Fairview Christian Church, 1893 Wolftown-Hood Rd. Hood, Va. 22973- with church service and graveside burial

followed by fellowship.

Rich (Dad) will always be in our hearts, you were loved by all, may you rest in peace.