Erik T. von Schmetterling MD

Erik T. von Schmetterling MD, of Philadelphia, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. He was 67 years old. Erik was born in Munich, Germany and later immigrated to the United States as a child. He was the husband to James V. Shrode with whom he is survived by. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Rebecca Shrode. Erik Graduated from Queens College in the UK and practiced Emergency Room Medicine at Cleveland Metro General. He left his job as he began experiencing numbness in his hands and legs. Dr. von Schmetterling came to Philadelphia to the University of Pennsylvania for testing and treatment. He went on disability as he began to lose function of his legs. Erik von Schmetterling was a proud Female To Male Transgendered Queer Disabled. His unbeatable spirit led him to work in Disability Rights and LGBTQ Rights. Erik served as President of Disabled In Action from 1992-1994. Dr. von Schmetterling had also volunteered on the Committee for People with Disabilities for the LGBT March on Washington 1992. He served with the Bread and Roses Community Fund and Liberty Resources Inc in the 90's and early 2000's. Erik believed all people with disabilities had the right to full inclusion and access to life. He was a great advocate for community integration, freeing people with disabilities from institutions offering dignity of risk and choice to live independently in their homes. Erik had done this work with ADAPT (ADAPT.ORG) since 1988 til near his passing. Erik von Schmetterling had married James V. Shrode in a religious ceremony on October 21, 1992 officiated by the Reverend Wade Blank and Cassie James in San Francisco during an ADAPT Protest. Erik enjoyed photography, reading, writing articles on disability rights and movies. He loved to travel. Due to the current circumstances concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no services scheduled for Erik at this time. There will be a memorial service sometime late in 2020 or early 2021. Family services are entrusted under the care of Geitner-Givnish, 215-224-6300. In lieu of flowers, please send a Donation to The Cheryl Raiss Transition to Freedom Fund. Make the Check payable to Liberty Resources Inc. 112 N 8th St Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107.