Obituaries
Robert Thomas Schmitt, 77
February 08, 2021
Robert Thomas Schmitt, Bob, passed away too early on Feb. 8, 2021 at age 77. He was predeceased by his parents John Thomas and Mae Rose Schmitt and his brother John Thomas Schmitt. He is also survived by his partner of 16 years, Diana Lynn Macaluso.
Born in the Frankford area of Philadelphia, Bob was known among friends and family to possess a razor sharp wit and subtle humor that unexpectedly delighted. A graduate of LaSalle High School and a 1965 graduate of La Salle College, he also earned a Masters in Computer Science while working for the U.S. Army as a civilian IT specialist for 38 years, 10 months, 3 weeks and 3 days at Fort Monmouth, Eatontown, NJ.
Soon after retirement, Bob fulfilled two trips on his bucket list by traveling extensively in China and by taking an African safari. Living then in Bradley Beach, N.J. he jogged the boardwalks for hours each week becoming a lover of sand, sea air and the ocean.
Bob and Diana lived in Oceanport, NJ. Retirement gave them opportunities to enjoy summer vacations at the Berkshires each year and travel to Europe, Alaska, the Middle East, and Jupiter, Florida in the winter and daily visits to the beach near Oceanport. Bob never traveled without a stash of NY Times crossword puzzles, a favorite love of his.
Bob’s three children were his favorite passion. His family spent two weeks in North Wildwood each year, traveled to England and Canada. He was a proud and loving father and known affectionately to his family as “Herm” and “Poppi”. He is survived by Robert Michael Schmitt (wife Amy Schmitt), Cinnaminson, NJ; Christopher Denman (partner Geoffrey Steinberg), Philadelphia, PA; and Barbara Jo Schmitt-Cole (husband Dean Cole), Lawrence, Kansas. Granddaughters: Breana, Abigail, Olivia, Ava. Great granddaughters London and Junie. He was also an adopted member of Diana’s family by son, Christopher Beronio (wife, Sue Beronio), Eatontown, NJ and Diana’s daughter, Joan Maunez (husband Juan Maunez) of Ashburn, VA. Grand daughters Isabella and Anna.
Bob was also a hospice volunteer in both NJ and PA., a job he took seriously. Sometimes called to help in the middle of the night, he always honored this responsibility.
When Bob and Diana finally moved to Lititz, PA they found Bob’s favorite place to live. Neighbors quickly became friends and helped comfort and support Bob during his illness. Our family is grateful to the many friends of Traditions of America who saw us through. Also, a debt of gratitude to hospice who never let us feel alone in this journey.
As a friend of Bill’s, Bob mentored many individuals and undertook his own mission to fulfill a life of constancy and good works.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
February 28, 2021
Bob was one of the funniest and kindest humans and his crisp wit always lightened up our times together when he lived at the Jersey Shore. And, we know how much he loved his family. He will be missed but know we’ll be laughing when we meet again. Much love to you all. Joe & Judy Musa
February 15, 2021
To Robert Michael, Chris and Barbara, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. In watching the tribute video, I was reminded of some many wonderful memories we all had together. Your Dad and I had little contact over the past 30 years, the last time I saw him was at my sister’s funeral, but those first 20 plus years were filled with a lot of fun and laughter, some of the best years of my life. Back then, we basically got together at least weekly, and always had a good time. Never in all those years did we ever have a cross word with each other, because he and I had something very special in common—Darkness with an H.
The things I remember most about your Dad was his intellect, patience and sense of humor. I was so happy to see he fulfilled his dreams to go to Africa and China—I even remember him talking about those trips. Back then, it wasn’t called a bucket list, just something he really wanted to do. And it looks like he got to do a lot more than that, like Alaska and Egypt and many places in between. Crossword puzzles were always his way to relax, and that’s where the patience and intellect comes in to play—it’s good he kept it up all those years.
I remember all those vacations in Wildwood, sometimes we even stayed for two weeks—that doesn’t sound like much unless you understand we all stayed in the same two (three if we were lucky) bedroom motel rooms to save money-it could get crowded. On one of those trips, I remember Rob and me taking you three to see the movie Jaws right after it came out. How dumb was that? I don’t think any of you wanted to even see the beach after that—we spent the rest of the trip at the motel pool, which was about 10 feet from the street traffic! I remember the walks at dawn he and I would take with Erin, so everyone could sleep in—and the little diner on the pier we always went to for breakfast. I remember trying to ride those four seated bikes—impossible to get everyone to pedal at the same time—but we laughed all the way through it.
I remember him and I going to women’s salons to have our hair permed so we could have something resembling an Afro lite—and both of us complaining how much it cost—$40 I think. As I think back now, I can’t understand why in the world we thought that was a good look for either of us.
I remember trying how to learn how to disco dance in your living room on Saul St. I remember all the holidays and special occasions we spent together, the picnics, the wiffle ball games, the cookouts, the flea markets, family get togethers, all of it. I particularly remember one night on Saul St. when your mom had a bad reaction to some medicine. The side effect was so funny (to us) and we were laughing so hard we couldn’t sit or stand—we both were on the floor laughing uncontrollably—it probably wasn’t that funny to everybody else, but to us two, it was the funniest thing we had ever seen.
I remember the private conversations we had about work, career, family, sports, politics, you name it, we discussed it. I hope when I see him again, we can pick up where we left off—but one thing is for sure, we’ll be laughing about it. God Bless your Dad, he was one of the finest men I ever knew.
Uncle Jack
February 14, 2021
We will miss you Bob. A true gentleman and all around good guy! Rest In Peace
Eileen and Jeff
February 14, 2021
Thank you Bob for years of friendship and support. You will be sorely missed at our 7:30 AM. I know you are with God now!
Debra Ann Vizzi
February 12, 2021
Bob was loved and respected by all. He will be missed. Love, Sheila Violand
February 12, 2021
Thinking of Diana and the families during this sad time. May Bob Rest In Peace. 🙏 Warmly, Colleen & Steve Holmes
February 11, 2021
He’s no longer suffering he’s now at peace he was such a nice good man
Edward McNamee
February 11, 2021
Will always remember your in my prayers. Rest In Peace my friend
Bob Manning
