Joseph Frank Schmotzer

PARIS, MAINE - Joseph Frank Schmotzer, 86 formally of Slidell, Louisiana, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris following a short illness. Mr. Schmotzer was born on August 15, 1921 in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the son of Joseph and Della (Rice) Schmotzer. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the Case School of Engineering. He served his country as a Naval officer during WWII. On October 27, 1945 he married his lifelong sweetheart Ruth (Worth) Schmotzer of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio where they initially made there home. Over the years his engineering career in the manufacturing, nuclear and aerospace industries took him to positions in Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Maine, Georgia and Louisiana. He retired from Lockheed-Martin in New Orleans and was always proud of his division that built the liquid fuel tanks for NASA's space shuttle program. Joe and Ruth made lifelong friends everywhere they lived. He had many and varied interests. He was an active Shriner over the years, especially dedicated to fund-raising projects to help children that were burn victims. His hobbies included model railroading and woodworking. An avid golfer, he recorded two "Holes-in-One" during his lifetime at his home course the Pinewood Country Club of Slidell, LA. Mr. Schmotzer is survived by his sister, Lt. Cmdr. Mary Schmotzer, USN (Ret.) 92 of Cedar Point, LA; daughter, Connie Schmotzer of Paris, ME; and granddaughter, Michelle Silveira of Yarmouth, ME. He was preceded in death by Ruth Schmotzer, his wife of 62 years; son, Gary Frank Schmotzer; and his brother, Madison Alexander of Canfield, OH. A graveside service will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 2:30 pm where he will be buried alongside his wife and son. The family expresses their appreciation to all of the wonderful staff and residents at the Maine Veterans Home who were so kind to Joe during his stay. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Mr. Schmotzer's memory to the Maine Veterans Home, 477 High St., So. Paris, ME 04281.