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On August 14 cruising sailor Bill Schmitt went for a bike ride to the grocery store. A collision with a vehicle on Broad Street left him with life threatening injuries. He died just over 3 week later. The following obituary was submitted by his friend, Kristine Ronca.

W

illiam “Bill/Will” Frederick Schmitt, 76, of New York, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025. He was cared for lovingly in his final moments, with friends Kristine Ronca and Michael Bennett at his side in prayer.

William Schmitt

Born in Manhattan on October 29, 1948, William was the beloved only child of William Frederick Schmitt and Viola Bender Schmitt. He grew up in Merrick, NY, and remained deeply close to both his parents throughout their lives, caring for his mother with devotion in her later years.

William graduated in 1970 from Queens College of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He went on to build a distinguished career in retail, working as a buyer and manager for major department store groups. From 1983 to 1988 he served with Pogues Ayres ADG of the May Company, and in 1989 joined Miller & Rhoads in Richmond, Virginia. He also founded a fine antique porcelain business, reflecting his keen eye for beauty.

Faith and service were central to his life. William completed significant coursework in Theology, Scripture, Catechetics, and Ministry in preparation for the priesthood, with a particular focus on adolescent spirituality. He studied “Call & Mission of the Youth Minister” (2001–2003) and Youth Ministry Certification through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY, and was deeply moved by programs such as Protecting God’s Children. Although he had to pause his ecclesiastical studies to care for his beloved mother, his heart always remained close to this calling and to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

William with his Cape Dory 27

In 1999, William became a certified Home Health Aide through People Care in New York. He also brought people together through music, serving as president of a large community musical organization and, from 2004 to 2008, singing in and leading the choir of the Catholic Church in Willsboro, NY.

Sailing was one of William’s greatest joys. For decades, he explored the East Coast by sail, traveling from Florida to Lake Champlain. In 2021, he fulfilled a dream by acquiring a 1982 Cape Dory 27’ sloop.

William at the helm of “Voluntas Tua”

Those who knew him best will remember a soulful, kind, independent, and introspective man who carried himself with quiet dignity—sometimes almost monastic, yet always personable and warm. He cared deeply for his friends and was so appreciative of the friendships he made within the sailing community. He cherished Leonar Aruost, holding their relationship close to his heart, and he remained steadfast in his faith and love of the word of Jesus Christ.

He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be arranged by Bellmore Funeral Home, Long Island, NY. A memorial service will also be held at the St Peter the Fisherman in Oriental, NC on October 1st at 10:30AM, where friends are invited to gather in prayer and remembrance.

Posted Friday September 19, 2025 by Keith N. Smith