Robert C. "Bob" Schmidt

Robert C. Schmidt (Bob) passed away peacefully late evening, April 19 at Avow Hospice House in Naples, FL. He is now in the arms of friends and family who passed before him.
Born in Kansas City, Kansas, December 24, 1940, Bob was the third child of Carl and Roberta (Lippincott) Schmidt. He was raised with true midwestern values; appreciative of his family's humble surroundings, sacrifices and their love and he was a proud American, extremely hardworking, honest, fair and kind to all.
He often shared many stories of Kansas from his early years, riding his bike and delivering newspapers, his brother's and sister's escapades, his father walking long distances to work, his mother's sewing & cooking talents, her first car and both his mother and his sister's ability to whip up any kind of pie on a minute's notice, and then win ribbons for them at the state fairs-lemon meringue was his favorite! There were many who mentored and influenced the life path he chose; his high school athletic coach who encouraged him to apply to several top universities in the Midwest and many in the corporate world, who recognized his strategic thinking, acumen and promoted him for his manufacturing and management skills. He was forever grateful to them.
Graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1959, he was awarded a full gymnastics scholarship to the University of Iowa. There he earned two bachelor's degrees, one in mathematics and one in mechanical engineering and graduated in 1964. After graduation, Bob was offered several opportunities with national food companies and he chose to head East accepting his first job with Pepperidge Farm at their headquarters in Norwalk, CT. He told many stories of eating the cookies "hot off the press" and taking samples home since he was the VP of Manufacturing and needed to be sure the product was excellent! During these years, he earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State. After 18 years with Pepperidge Farm, he went on to work for many other food companies including Nabisco, Standard Brands, Chuckles and Culinary Brands. In June 1991, he moved back to Norwalk and began an executive search business, recruiting for all types of positions within the food industry. He retired in 2003.
True of many engineers, there wasn't a hardware store or Home Depot he didn't love touring. They were his "museums". If you needed a tool, he had it and likely he would offer you a choice of your needed item, then offer to help you with your project. He had a wicked dry sense of humor, was mischievous and always fun to be with. His favorite song of all time was "Mustang Sally" and energetically danced whenever it played.
He LOVED cars, often pointing out vintage cars-makes, models and dates when passing on the road and even in his final days would look at license plates and marvel at "how beautiful and clean the cars are in Naples!" Bob was very talented and always enthusiastic about the "projects" he and his wife were continuously immersed in and immensely enjoyed that creativity and adventure they had working on their homes in Norwalk, Ridgefield, Nantucket, Newport and Naples.
Bob held our local medical professionals at Norwalk Hospital in high esteem for their tremendous care of both he and his wife through difficult illnesses. He was a benefactor and supportive of their mission of compassionate care for all.
Predeceased by his parents and older brother, Clyde, Bob is survived by his wife and love of 32 years, Alison Scavone; his sister, Carol Bigelow (George); brother, David Schmidt (Sharon); and sister-in-law, Sharon Schmidt; his daughter, Margie Quinn (John); son, Matthew; grandchildren, Avery and Gavin Quinn and Maya Schmidt; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who enjoyed and dearly loved him and will be remembered in many stories told.
The Alzheimer's Support Network, in Naples, FL was extremely helpful to Bob and Alison. They provided endless support and education over the past many years. If you would like to contribute in Bob's memory, please go to: www.support.network or mail checks to: Alzheimer's Support Network, 1421 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 100, Naples, FL 34109.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.