Joseph Edward Schmitt

Age 81 of Fox Chapel, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11,  2018, in his home with his family at his side.  This marked the end of a battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.  Joseph was born in Erie, PA on November 8, 1936, the son of Leo and Leona Schmitt, and the youngest of three children.  He attended Erie Cathedral Prep followed by undergraduate study at Penn State University.  He studied Law at the University of Pittsburgh and then briefly worked in Erie, PA as assistant to the District Attorney. His career brought him to Pittsburgh after a fortuitous phone call from his good friend and fraternity brother, Phil Beard, who invited him to join forces in Pittsburgh at a small law firm.  Their fate was sealed from that point forward and together these two men ran a successful law practice for over 50 years.  Their friendship extended well beyond the office walls as their families shared every aspect of life together from raising children, to travel, to holiday celebrations, summers along Lake Erie and even riding horses together at Lost Valley Ranch.  Husband, father and friend, Joe engaged everyone at their level.  He was humble, selfless and generous and he could hold an audience and make you laugh -  that good kind of laugh from deep inside.  But maybe the most special thing was the way he left you feeling better about yourself for having known him.  He was generous of spirit including even his final months as he winked and laughed with the caregivers who graciously shared their hearts and loving care towards him. In his youth, Joe faithfully served the church as an altar boy for many years.  In Pittsburgh, he was a member of the St. Scholastica Church and could regularly be seen at the early bird service on Sundays as a faithful servant.  Joe loved Pittsburgh sports, played tennis and golf, skied and sailed.  He loved travel and music and developed a real appreciation for art becoming an avid collector, especially of Pittsburgh pieces including several commissioned paintings by Ron Donahue. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Rosie Dailey.  He is survived by his brother, Oscar Schmitt, and his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy J Schmitt and their four children; Eric C. Schmitt, and his wife April of Pittsburgh, Craig J. Schmitt and his partner, Jocelyn Shoup of Philadelphia, Susan C. Schmitt and her husband, Israel of Portland, OR and David W. Schmitt and his wife, Shelly of Denver, CO; and 7 grandchildren:  Sophie, Bowen, Logan, Colby, Wyatt, Reese, and Aubrey. Visitation will be Friday, August 17, 2018, from 4-8 p.m. at the WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Ave., Aspinwall.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Scholastica Church, 309 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall on Saturday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at the Fox Chapel Golf Club from 12:30-2:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh.

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