Robert Joseph Schmitt, age 81, of Raleigh, NC and formerly of Wheaton, died Friday, January 16, 2009 at Sunrise of North Hills in Raleigh. He was born on February 13, 1927 in Wheaton the oldest son of Joseph and Alice Schmitt. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1945 and soon after enlisted in the US Marines. Upon leaving the Marines, he attended college and pursued his life long career as vice-president of sales for Rauch Clay Sales Tile Corporation until his retirement in 1988. He moved to Youngsville, NC in 1993 to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren.

He was a devoted member of the Wheaton Masonic Lodge #269 for 44 years and served as Worshipful Master in 1971.

He was an avid fisherman and traveled with family to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada to enjoy fishing. Robert will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by four children, Steven (Shelley) Schmitt of Batavia, Jacqueline (Charles) Menzel of Cary, NC, Susan Schmitt of Clayton, NC and Robert (Erin) of St. Charles, nine grandchildren, Bart (KIm) Carbonneau, Beau Carbonneau, Dr. Leah (Dr. David) Sheridan, Tiffany (Brian) Harper, William Franch, Carol Franch, Ellen Franch, Bridgett Schmitt and Maxwell Schmitt, two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Keira Sheridan and his brother Raymond Schmitt of Boca Raton, FL. He is also survived by Carol Schmitt of Ft. Meyers, FL.

He was preceded in death by his dearly beloved wife of 41 years, Suzanne Schmitt.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 400 Overlin Rd., ST. 220, Raleigh, NC 27605 or Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's St., St. 400, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call 630-668-0027.