Edward F. Schirmer

Edward "Ed" Francis Schirmer, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully with his loving daughters by his side on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on September 20, 1931 to Elsie (Bybel) Schirmer and Frank Schirmer, Ed grew up in The Bronx, New York where his lifelong love for the New York Yankees began. In his early teens Ed and his family moved to Beaver Dam Lake, New York. Ed often told tales of hitchhiking from Beaver Dam Lake to Cornwall high school every day for class. It was at the water fountain in the halls of Cornwall high school that Ed first laid eyes on his future wife Mary Ellen (Evans) Schirmer.
Ed proudly served in the United States Air Force and fought in the Korean War - exchanging heartfelt letters with Mary Ellen throughout his deployment. Once stateside and reunited with his love, the two married in 1954. Ed and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Sharon, in 1955 while living on Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, CA. In 1959 the couple had moved to Highland, New York and welcomed their second daughter, Kate, to their family. In 1961 Ed, Mary, Sharon, and Kate moved from Highland, New York to South Burlington, Vermont. Ed launched a career at IBM as a mechanical engineer and the family set their roots.
In his youth, Ed was a gifted soccer player and multi-sport athlete. In his adult life, Ed always made time for the activities he enjoyed including fly fishing, golfing, and playing bridge. Upon retiring from IBM, Ed turned his passion for fly fishing into a business when he founded Schirmer's Fly Shop. He meticulously ran his business - offering fishing equipment, custom fly rods, fly tying lessons, and guide services - for over 30 years.
In addition to his outdoorsmanship, Ed also loved music. He was particularly fond of jazz and taught himself to play both piano and harmonica. He treasured the times he was able to play with his friends and extended family. Ed and a friend often volunteered their time to play at elder care facilities around Chittenden County, including the care home where his wife resided for her final months. Ed was also a devout Catholic and his volunteerism extended to his worship by serving St. John Vianney parish as usher and later head usher for 20 years.
Ed is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Ellen (Evans) Schirmer (1932–2016), his sister, Anne Marie (Schirmer) Tschan, and his brother-in-law Frank Tschan, whom Ed loved dearly. Ed is survived by his daughters, Sharon Stine (spouse, Greg) and Kate Schirmer-Smith (spouse, Ken); his nephews, Stephen, Ken, and Frank Tschan; his nieces, Pam Evans, Paula Eddy, and Donna Rhodes; his grandchildren, Lauren (Barber-Smith) Ringey (spouse, Kirk), Carly (Stine) Brewster (spouse, Michael), Aaron Smith (fiancee, Sofia), and Liam Smith; and his great-grandson, Boone Ringey (Lauren & Kirk).
Ed's quick wit, clever humor, and love of country will live on. Ed will be dearly missed by all who knew him, loved him, or ever shared a meal at Chef's Corner with him.
Visiting hours will take place at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski, on Friday, November 8th from 4-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Vianney church in South Burlington, on Saturday, November 9th at 10:00am with a burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery.
The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the staff at Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing in Middlebury, VT for the gentle and empathetic care they provided Ed during his time there. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a gift in Ed's memory to Ronald McDonald House in Burlington, VT or Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing in Middlebury, VT.
https://rmhcvt.org/donate/ https://www.portermedical.org/donate/