Henry Adam Schmelz

Henry was born, in Germany, shortly after the end of World War II. A few years later, he and his parents immigrated to the United. States.
Young Henry started his formal education at St. Fidelis School, for grades 1 and 2, and St. Aloysius School for grades 3 through 8 (Class of 1959). He graduated from St. Philip High School (Class of 1963). He was an excellent student who had a high aptitude for math and the sciences. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics (Class of 1968) and a Master of Science in Physics (Class of 1971) from University of Illinois – Chicago.
For a time during his college years, he worked at Western Electric as an Industrial Engineer Associate. While pursuing his masters at the University of Illinois, he was a teaching assistant in physics. After receiving his masters, he taught physics at Weber High School. Later, he switched his focus to programming. As a programmer/senior programmer analyst, he worked at Victor Comptometer Corporation in Chicago, Continental Bank in Chicago and Solar Turbines in San Diego.
In April 1977, Henry vacationed in San Diego for the first time. He "was so impressed with the city and the climate" that he returned again in 1978 and 1979. In the summer of 1980, Henry went to San Diego for the fourth time. This time it was not just to vacation, but with intentions to relocate. He circulated his resume in the San Diego area. In his cover letter, he stated "Winter is fast approaching, and I would prefer to spend it in San Diego rather than Chicago." In September 1980, Henry moved from Chicago to San Diego.
Henry was a deeply intellectual person whose cerebral interests ranged from physics, math, quantum mechanics, quantum physics, astronomy, history, and MENSA problems. He enjoyed listening to classical music, the NPR show Car Talk, and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! He read regularly and widely.
He also loved playing tennis, chess, hiking, jogging, bicycling, and going to the beach. He was an avid viewer of tennis, soccer and the Olympics. For a while, he served as a tennis referee in San Diego.
In January 1987, Henry "retired" at the age of 41. He filled his time with tutoring Calculus at San Diego State University and University of California San Diego, being a line judge at tennis matches in Balboa Park, fixing people's computers, and his interests mentioned above. Even in retirement, he remained engaged with the world and found friends wherever he went.
He was well loved by his neighbors in San Diego, whom he got to know over four decades.
He religiously clipped coupons for his favorite restaurant. He had one plant in his condo, a small barrel cactus which he named Whiskers. He loved to visit the meerkats at the San Diego Zoo and laugh at their antics.
Henry had an infectious laugh and did the best impressions. He could tell a joke with his facial expressions and eyebrows alone. He could make anyone laugh. He had a wonderful sense of humor that will live through his friends' memories and their own jokes. His perspective on life helped shape his friends in a way which they will cherish and be forever grateful.
Henry led a full and rich life. His friends are truly grateful for his friendship and time with all of us.
Visitation at 10:00 a.m. preceding Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 21st at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Those unable to attend in-person can view the Mass at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings. Burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery office at 12:30 p.m. after Mass concludes.
Funeral information: (708) 352-6500