The Life of Arling H. Schmidt
Arling H., "Pud", Schmidt, 92, formerly of Media, PA, and Middleton, DE, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Summit, Hockessin, DE.
Born at home
in Wilsonboro, PA, he was the son of the late Arthur and Verna Schmidt.
Part-orphaned with the death of his mother in the early years of the
Great Depression, he attended and graduated from the Milton S. Hershey
School for boys in Hershey, PA. He graduated from High School as the
U.S. was entering World War II.
Mr. Schmidt was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners mate. He was in naval actions in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Pacific theatre, and in the invasions of Southern France and Okinawa. He had a love of flight from an early age and could identify any aircraft on sight. His job after the war was with the Piasecki Aircraft Corp., later renamed the Boeing-Vertol Company. There, he worked for decades as an aeronautical engineer, primarily on helicopters, also contributing to the 747 “Jumbo jet,” and eventually the Osprey. He retired from Boeing in 1986, but was called back to work six times, mainly to work on the V-22 Osprey. He then worked for many years as a consultant for major aircraft corporations. He was also one of the aeronautical engineers who helped to build and fly the Gustav Whitehead replica at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Schmidt was awarded the prestigious rank of Fellow from the Society of Allied Weight Engineers in recognition of his many professional papers and contributions to the flight industry.
In the 1940’s & 50’s Mr. Schmidt dabbled in photography, taking pictures of his travels, family, and model airplanes. He was an “engineer’s engineer,” able to fix almost anything; his family, friends, and neighbors sought his input with anything that required an engineer’s knowledge & expertise.
He enjoyed
traveling throughout the USA and on cruises with his family. He also
loved golfing, and fresh water fly fishing. While a Pennsylvania
resident he fished in the Pocono Mountains, and for trout in the waters
of Ridley Creek. He and his wife have been members of Collenbrook United
Church for over sixty years. Mr. Schmidt served as a Deacon and Elder
at Collenbrook. He was also a 33rd degree Mason and a member of the Shiloh - MacCalla Masonic Lodge #558 in Souderton, PA.
Mr. Schmidt was the beloved husband of Louise (DeBatin), they were to celebrate their 65th
wedding anniversary this coming Summer. He was a loving father to
daughters Cynthia, Debra De Masi (Leon), and Wendy. He was the dear
brother of the late Arthur L. Schmidt. He is also survived by a
granddaughter Amanda (Kevin), two grandsons, Leon, and Joseph, three
adoring great-children, Trent, Joshua, and Lily, and many nieces and
nephews.
A Memorial service is scheduled for 11AM Sat., April 30, 2016 at the Collenbrook United Church, Drexel Hill, PA. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be donated in memory of Arling H. Schmidt to Collenbrook United Church.
Online condolences:www.toppitzer.us