Ronald Frank Schmidt

Ronald Schmidt, an accomplished mechanic and keeper of immaculate garages, died Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at his home in Barnegat, New Jersey. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 85 years young.

He served in the Navy on the USS Iowa and was discharged in 1961. Soon after his arrival home, he married Ruth Ann. Being an only child, Ron always wanted a family. He and Ruth Ann had six children.

A true king of the road, Ron drove trucks cross country and later became the head mechanic for the Barnegat Department of Education. He taught his children, grandchildren, and many others how to fix, build, and create anything that ran with an engine. He always sought perfection in everything he touched and would not accept anything less.

Ron loved the water and boating. He often took his kids crabbing at Barnegat dock. On Sundays, Ruth Ann would shuffle all six kids into the station wagon for Church service, but Ron would go to his church at Barnegat dock and enjoy his WaWa coffee. At home, Ron enjoyed watching Nascar with the family dog on his lap.

He was a man of strong will and determination. After 62 years of marriage to a devout Christian, he decided to follow Jesus in the waters of baptism. He is now home with the Lord, his parents, Frank and May Schmidt and his eldest son, Ronald Craig Schmidt. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Schmidt and their children Laurie (Will), Kim, Kevin (Julie), Debi (Till), and Jennifer (Jason), their grandchildren Ryan, Robbie (Cait), Amanda (Daniel), Hailey, Christopher, Kyle, Alex, Zoe (Clayton), Karlee, and Jacob, and their great grandchildren Sienna, Chelsey, Autumn, Axel, Frankie, Olivia, CJ, and Jameson. He is also survived his adoring dog, Bear. We will miss his scruffy kisses.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, 11am at Manahawkin Baptist Church, 400 Beach Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to a favorite charity of choice.