Richard Schmeling

1934 - 2025

Richard Schmeling

Born: Jan 4, 1934 | Died: May 1, 2025

In Loving Memory of Richard (Dick) Thomas Schmeling**

Elizabeth, New Jersey, January 4, 1934 - Loudon, Tennessee, May 1, 2025

Dick Schmeling, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away on May 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, faith, and love. Born on January 4, 1934 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, alongside his twin sister, Nancy Jane Harsell, Dick was the son of Richard M. Schmeling and Martha F. Schmeling (nee Cavanaugh). He spent his early years in Rahway and Somerset, New Jersey, before settling in Loudon, Tennessee, where he made his home for the past two decades.

In 1957, Dick married his beloved wife, Isabelle W. Richardson, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Together, they built a family that was the heart of his life. He is survived by his beloved children, Sally (Jay) Minniti, Ruth (Pat) Coletta, David (Vickie) Schmeling, and his seven grandchildren; Brian Belli, Jillian Belli, John (Brandilyn) Radamski, Christopher Schmeling, Aidan Schmeling, Faith Schmeling, and Trent Schmeling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle Schmeling, their son, Richard John Schmeling, twin sister, Nancy Jane Harsell, and younger sister, Martha Ann White.

Dick's life was marked by academic and professional excellence. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, he pursued higher education at Rutgers University, earning a B.S. in Management, and later attended Fairleigh Dickinson University's MBA program. His career spanned decades in the field of electronics and radar technology, where he played a pivotal role in air traffic control systems and naval radar advancements. His work led him across the United States and Europe, allowing him to live and work in France and West Berlin in his earlier years. For the bulk of Dick's career, he worked at Lockheed Electronics Company in Plainfield, New Jersey in various positions for 29 years. Twenty years of his career there was spent as a contracts administrator, where he retired in January 1990.

A proud veteran, Dick served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a Senior Air Traffic Control Radar Technician. His dedication to service continued beyond his military years, shaping his professional path and his volunteer efforts.

Beyond his career and family, Dick was deeply involved in his faith and community. He devoted his time to multiple churches, serving in various leadership roles, from elder and choir member to church treasurer and administrator. His commitment to service extended beyond the church, as he worked tirelessly in volunteer organizations, including Caring Hearts, Mended Hearts, and the Franklin Township Food Bank.

Dick found joy in photography, technology, travel, and helping others. He was an active member of the Tellico Village Computer Users Club, where he touched many in his community through his daily computer support and home visits. In addition, he volunteered as a videographer at the Tellico Village TV station, where he shared his experience and passion for learning with others.

His life was one of dedication, curiosity, and kindness. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, and his commitment to making the world a better place. Dick's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on May 31st at the Community Church at Tellico Village in Loudon, TN, from 11am-12pm, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in Dick's memory. May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and appreciated.

Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Richard Schmeling. www.clickfuneralhome.com