Mr. John Frederick "Jack" Schermond, Jr., age 85, passed away on December 4, 2025, in Venice, Florida. Born on March 14, 1940, in Kearny, New Jersey, Jack lived a life marked by leadership, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for both hard work and humor.
Jack's distinguished career in the American shipbuilding industry spanned decades and left a lasting impact. In 1977, he became one of George Steinbrenner's youngest General Managers when he was appointed GM of American Shipbuilding Corporation in Chicago. His leadership continued to shine as Contracts and Projects Manager at Manitowoc's yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin—known as Bay Ship—where he served until 1987. That year marked a new chapter when he became a minority owner of Merce Industries at the Toledo Shipyard. In 1990, Jack was contracted to re-open the historic Litton Industries yard in Erie, Pennsylvania under the name Erie Marine Enterprises. Even after retiring from large-scale operations, Jack remained active in the maritime world as a marine surveyor and owner of Harden Marine in Tampa, Florida.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was known for his vibrant personality and wide-ranging interests. A lifelong Cleveland Browns fan and proud of his Irish heritage, he brought passion and loyalty to everything he did. He had a sharp sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller who could captivate any room with his tales or impromptu lectures. Whether singing in the choir or chatting on the golf course, Jack made friends wherever he went.
He found joy in fishing trips and rounds of golf but perhaps nothing delighted him more than his beloved 1964 Mustang convertible—a symbol of his enduring enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures.
Jack's spiritual journey reflected both tradition and personal growth. Raised Catholic, he later followed his mother into Presbyterianism. He served faithfully as a Deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, Ohio and First Presbyterian Church in Brandon, Florida—roles that reflected his commitment to service and community.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his long-time partner and friend Mary Anne Bell; daughters Rebecca, Sara, and Katherine (Katie); and son John F. Schermond III (Jay); and former wife and mother of his children Stephanie Schermond. He was preceded in death by his sister Judith Schermond and by his parents John and Sara (Davis) Schermond.
A man of integrity who stood by his word and extended friendship freely, Jack leaves behind a legacy of leadership, laughter, faith, and family. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who hear his story.
Jack's distinguished career in the American shipbuilding industry spanned decades and left a lasting impact. In 1977, he became one of George Steinbrenner's youngest General Managers when he was appointed GM of American Shipbuilding Corporation in Chicago. His leadership continued to shine as Contracts and Projects Manager at Manitowoc's yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin—known as Bay Ship—where he served until 1987. That year marked a new chapter when he became a minority owner of Merce Industries at the Toledo Shipyard. In 1990, Jack was contracted to re-open the historic Litton Industries yard in Erie, Pennsylvania under the name Erie Marine Enterprises. Even after retiring from large-scale operations, Jack remained active in the maritime world as a marine surveyor and owner of Harden Marine in Tampa, Florida.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was known for his vibrant personality and wide-ranging interests. A lifelong Cleveland Browns fan and proud of his Irish heritage, he brought passion and loyalty to everything he did. He had a sharp sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller who could captivate any room with his tales or impromptu lectures. Whether singing in the choir or chatting on the golf course, Jack made friends wherever he went.
He found joy in fishing trips and rounds of golf but perhaps nothing delighted him more than his beloved 1964 Mustang convertible—a symbol of his enduring enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures.
Jack's spiritual journey reflected both tradition and personal growth. Raised Catholic, he later followed his mother into Presbyterianism. He served faithfully as a Deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, Ohio and First Presbyterian Church in Brandon, Florida—roles that reflected his commitment to service and community.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his long-time partner and friend Mary Anne Bell; daughters Rebecca, Sara, and Katherine (Katie); and son John F. Schermond III (Jay); and former wife and mother of his children Stephanie Schermond. He was preceded in death by his sister Judith Schermond and by his parents John and Sara (Davis) Schermond.
A man of integrity who stood by his word and extended friendship freely, Jack leaves behind a legacy of leadership, laughter, faith, and family. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who hear his story.
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