Robert V. “Bob” Schmittgen, “Pops” age 90, lifelong resident of North Ridgeville, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. A graduated of North Ridgeville High School, Class of 1946, he then went on to further his education at Baldwin Wallace College. He served his Country in the National Guard for 4 years.
He owned and operated Elyria Packaging Company then went on to work as manager of employee relations for York International, Elyria retiring in 1993 after 25 years of service. Bob was member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in North Ridgeville where he was a former Moderator and served on the Deacon and Trustee committees. Bob was instrumental in bringing several important initiatives to his community.
He was a founding member and the first President of the North Ridgeville Lions Club in 1962 where he continued to be active for the past 57 years earning a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was past President of the North Ridgeville Civic League and was instrumental in bringing water to Ridgeville Township in 1950. He served on the incorporation committee, forming the City of North Ridgeville in 1961.
He served twelve years on the North Ridgeville City School Board, including three terms as President. He was a longtime member and past President of North Ridgeville Arts Council and served as Treasurer of Lorain County Red Cross Board. He also served on the Office for Older Adults Board at the North Ridgeville Senior Center.
He was recognized for all his community service in 2012, when he was awarded the Golden Kernel Award by the North Ridgeville Corn Festival Committee. In addition to serving his community he enjoyed traveling extensively, golfing, woodworking and gardening. Survivors include his son, Rick (Carlotta) Schmittgen of Ingram, Texas; daughters, Renee (Mark) Joseph of Covington, Kentucky, Randi (Gary) Simkovich of Avon; grandchildren, Kelly (James) Kassouf, Bret (Meghan) Simkovich; great-granddaughters, Alexandra and Samantha Kassouf.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn in 2009; brothers, Russell, Willard, Richard, William; sisters, Marian Fosselius and Virginia Deering. A Memorial Service will be held 6 PM Wednesday March 27, 2019 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 36363 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Reverend Arik Borstad will officiate, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.
Private interment will take place at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Hospice of the Western Reserve, Ames Family Hospice House, 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, Ohio 44145. Arrangements by Bogner Family Funeral Home, North Ridgeville.
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