Bill Schmidt M.D.

1932 - 2022

New London - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Schmidt, MD, who died peacefully Aug. 12, 2022. A devoted father, grandfather, husband, friend, sailor, traveler and adventurer with an enviable memory and a love for storytelling, Bill was born June 14, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a third child to his parents, Elinor Bech and William Schmidt. Bill spent most of his life in the United States, but Argentina always remained near to his heart. His sisters, Joanie and Mariana, stayed in that country and created families with whom Bill always remained in close contact.

Deciding early on that he would become a doctor, Bill entered medical school at the University of Buenos Aires, at the age of 18. During his medical school years, Bill participated in several mountain climbing expeditions to the Andes and did an obligatory year in the Argentine infantry. He did a post-graduate internship at the British hospital in Buenos Aires, but then set his sights on further training in the United States. After completing residencies in general surgery at Hartford Hospital and then Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, Bill trained to become a urologist at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

It was at Georgetown, that he became smitten with Clare Walsh, a nurse with flashing brown eyes. They married, and in 1964 had a son, Charles. A job offer soon followed-from the British hospital in Buenos Aires. Clare was happy to move abroad, so the young family traveled as guest passengers on a cargo ship to Argentina. Two daughters were born there, Jennifer and Stephanie. But in 1970, Bill decided once again to return to the United States-first to Washington, D.C, where the family stayed for two years, and then finally New London, to a house on Hillside Road by Guthrie Beach, where Bill would live for the next 49 years. With his colleague, partner, and friend Richard Fraser, MD, Bill grew a private medical practice, Urologic Associates, and became a well-known and admired figure in the New London community, known for his compassion, wit and stylish attire.

In 1994, Bill married Anne (Paul) Smith, who shared his adventuresome spirit and love of sailing. Only months after they met, Anne and Bill joined as crew on a sailboat for five stormy days in the North Sea off the coast of Norway, during which they almost collided with a drill rig in the fog. The two made trips to Argentina, Europe, and the Caribbean, and hosted many holiday dinners populated by growing numbers of grandchildren. Bill remained devoted to Anne until her untimely death in 2010.

Bill was big-hearted, sentimental, enthusiastic and often blunt. His favorite song was "Something," by the Beatles. He enjoyed history, international affairs, and could have taught courses on World War II from memory. He was a longtime member of the Thames Yacht Club, in New London, served for decades with the Rotary Club, and, in his later years, was a member of the Thames Club on State Street, in New London, where he would attend lively lunches on Tuesday afternoons. Bill loved dogs, gardening and putting on a tuxedo for formal occasions. He was old school. His hero was Winston Churchill. He loved classical music, the tango, and carving Christmas goose with his trusty electric knife. Bill held people to high standards from which his children drew character. His advice, when it wasn't asked for, could be viewed skeptically, but he was often proven correct; and when solicited in times of need, his insights were invaluable. There never was-nor will there again be-anyone like him. He will be greatly missed.

Bill spent the last year of his life at StoneRidge Retirement Community in Mystic, where he made many new friends. He is survived by his children: Charles Schmidt, Stephanie Schmidt and Jennifer Martley; Charlie's partner Darcy Latkin; his son-in-law Bill Martley; his grandchildren, Guthrie Belfiglio, Perry Belfiglio, Jack Glenn, Katherine Glenn and Liam Martley; and his sister Mariana Schmidt, her husband Prospero Poyard and their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other close relatives and friends.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. Joseph's Church. Interment will follow the Mass in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the St. Joseph Church School Endowment Fund, 37 Squire Street, New London, CT 06320. Condolences may be shared on Bill's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.