Obituary of Francis X. Schmaus

Francis Xavier Aloysius Schmaus passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, with his loving wife of 44 years, Susan Grace (Kitson) Schmaus by his side. Frank was born on January 11, 1947, in Margaret Hague Hospital, Jersey City NJ to Francis S. Schmaus and Rose A. (Clark) Schmaus, both deceased. He grew up in Bergen County NJ, graduated Paramus High School in 1965 and Farleigh Dickinson University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

He is survived by three siblings - Rosanna Tregidgo and her husband John, Marianne Bianchini and her husband Rick and Laurence Schmaus, whose wife Rita (Stubbe) Schmaus is deceased. He is pre-deceased by his sister Marita Stalknecht whose husband Peter survives her. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Lori Lade, whose husband Philip is deceased and Marlene Arlotta and her husband Patrick.  He is predeceased by his sister-in-law Sandra Schneider.  Frank has numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who will miss his humor, sage advice, and positive attitude.

After Frank graduated college, he began his career as an engineer with Curtis-Wright Corporation. He soon tired of the rigid schedule and office confines of corporate engineering and set out into sales. He had a long career in industrial sales and construction, working for various firms.  He also studied and obtained a Master electrician’s license and started his own company, 'Switch on Electric,’ which he maintained up until his passing. He obtained an electrical inspectors’ certification in several NY municipalities and at the time of his death he was self-employed as an electrical inspector.

A longtime member of the Mamakating Knights of Columbus Council #14560, Frank was active in his church as a lector and volunteer, and a prayer warrior for any he saw struggling. Frank was also a third order Carmelite. He arose every morning at 4 am and prayed for hours before going to Mass and then to work.

He was an avid car enthusiast and a skilled carpenter, two endeavors he pursued throughout his life. Those skills were put to good use when Frank, Sue, Marlene, and Pat purchased and renovated their home. Frank was a very kind and extremely thoughtful and giving person. He was fun to be around, and it was a rare occasion when we could take a picture of him without him making a crazy face. He loved movies like The Great Race, Young Frankenstein, and any type of slap stick humor. On a more serious note, Frank was an avid watcher of the world news.

Frank loved his wife Susan, his family and friends, his church and his fur-baby, Peanut.  We will miss his laughter, his steadiness, his Christmas village, trains and lights, his common sense, and his crazy shirts.  Peanut will miss his warm lap!

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14 from 12:00 noon to 2:30pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro.  His funeral mass will follow at 3:00pm at tthe Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 17 High Street in Bloomingburg with Fr. Paul Denault O.Carm officiaitng.

Memorial contributions made to the family would be appreciated.