William H. “Bill” Schmidt, age 71, beloved husband of Julie Gagliardi Schmidt, went home to his Heavenly Father on July 31, 2018, in the comfort of his home.
He was the son of the late William J. Schmidt and Mildred Gittings Schmidt. After graduating from Seymour High School, Bill received an Associate’s Degree from UNH. He then went on to receive a BS degree in Industrial Arts from CCSU. Later he achieved an MS degree in Traffic Safety and Education at SCSU, followed by a 6th Year Intermediate Administration Degree. In his younger years, Bill drag raced a 1965 Mustang. He built racing engines for Danbury Racearena Vehicles. He also enjoyed being a spectator at Lebanon Valley Speedway in NY. Bill taught Industrial Arts at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge for 35 years, the last 17 of those he served as Department Chairman. Teaching Computer Aided Drafting “CAD” remained his favorite area. Included in his many hobbies was Armor Modeling. He built replicas of military vehicles and received numerous medals and awards for his high standard of workmanship. He was a founding member of Northeast Military Modeling Association, “NMMA” and served as treasurer for many years. He was also a member of Armor Modeling Preservation Society “AMPS”. Bill wrote over 100 new model reviews for their website. He both competed in and worked at many of their international competitions. His love of fishing led him to become an instructor for the CT Aquatic Resources Education Program “CARE”. Bill also loved playing both guitar and pedal steel guitar. He belonged to the CT Pedal Steel Guitar Association.
Bill was a Communicant of the Church of the Assumption where he served as an usher. He became the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council #23. He was proud to become a Fourth Degree Knight and a member of Assembly #115. He also served as a member of the Honor Corps. Bill Schmidt was beloved by all who knew him. Thousands of prayers were offered for him over his many years battling cancer.
In addition to his devoted, loving wife Julie of 46 years, he was adored by his loving daughters Nicole Schmidt and Catherine Piscitelli and her husband Jerry. He also leaves his very cherished grandsons, Jerry Piscitelli IV and Jaxon Piscitelli; his sister Rev. Linda Kimmelman and her husband Rev. Donald Kimmelman, nephew David Emmett, and several cousins. Bill will be missed, mourned, and remembered by all who knew him.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday August 3, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Saturday, his funeral will begin at 10:45 am from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia. Interment will immediately follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assumption School through the funeral home.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com
