Harry Joseph Schmitt passed away on October 31, 2014 at his Wood River Village home. He was 85.

He was born in Pitcairn, PA, to Hilda (Neal) and Harry Schmitt, the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack, and sisters, Marty and Eileen.

Joe is survived by his lovely wife of nearly 60 years, Rita, their daughter Claudia (Kevin), and sons Michael (Mary Ann), and Gregory (Reggie), and their six grandchildren Patrick, Matthew, Connor, Jennifer, Aidan and Alana. Joe and Rita have lived in the Philadelphia area since 1962, residing primarily in Bensalem, and Newtown PA.

Known as Harry in later years, Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of Corporal. He worked for several companies, including the Pennsylvania Railroad, Goodyear and Firestone, and for many years at Hall’s Motor Transit in Bridesburg, retiring in 1980. He then worked for several years as a travel agent, and later an AMTRAK agent, retiring for good in 2011.

Joe enjoyed the arts, fine dining and travel. In earlier years, he and Rita were often seen attending plays on Broadway, at the McCarthy Theater in Princeton, the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, or one of the many university theaters in the Philadelphia area. Although frequent patrons at many fine restaurants in the city and suburbs, Joe and Rita’s favorite dinner was the annual Christmas dinner they hosted for their family. He and Rita visited many cities and countries around the world and traveled on every continent except Antarctica. In later years, Joe especially enjoyed cruises, and although unable to travel in the last few months, he was still planning one more final cruise with his bride, Rita.

Joe’s family will receive condolences on Thursday November 6, from 12 Noon until his Funeral Mass 1:00pm at the Church of St. Andrew 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown PA. 18940. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA 18940.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Joe's memory to the Franciscan Friars Retirement Fund, Mount Assisi, P.O. Box 500, Loretto, PA 15940.