Obituary of Robert E. Schmalz

Robert E. “Bob” Schmalz, 93, died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a short illness at home with his loving family by his side.

Born in 1931 in Rome, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Ethel Schmalz.  Bob met the love of his life, Ellie, and was united in marriage in 1956.  Together, they built a beautiful family, with six children and extending their love to 15 foster children. 

Bob honorably served our country for four years in United States Air Force during the Korean War. Stationed in Alaska, he was assigned to set up communications and fly supplies.  After his enlistment he was employed with the New York Telephone Company for 43 years before he retired. Bob  stayed active and was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Rome all his life, a Chairman of the Church Trustees, President of the Ushers, Honorary Member of the Seven Star Flying Club of Alaska, President of the Verona Elem. BOE, Member of the Masonic Lodge of Camden, President of the Old Kent St. Club, and President of Local 1126 CWA.

Bob was a collector of old cars, loved his dogs, enjoyed bowling, built the baseball field for the Verona Little League Baseball teams and also assisted building the addition on F.U.M. Church. He flew his plane out of Becks Grove, loved camping in the Adirondacks with his Pleasant Lake family and friends, and playing pitch (cards) with his family and friends.

Bob is predeceased by his loving wife, Ellie Schmalz and his son, Stephen Schmalz. He is survived by his five children: Edward and Pallie Schmalz of GA, Brian and Cheri Schmalz of NY, Nancy and Bill Nicholl of NY, Paul Schmalz of NY, Lisa and Gary Blackerby of FL; daughter-in-law (wife of Stephen) Lisa Schmalz of NH; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, NY.  A church service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church at 400 N. George St. Rome, NY. Internment will immediately follow at the Rome Cemetery, 1500 Jervis Ave. Rome, NY.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rome Humane Society.