Anthony F. Schmitz

July 30, 1924 - November 25, 2017

Albany- Anthony F. Schmitz (Tony) 93, of Albany, New York passed away peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital on Saturday November 25, 2017. A lifelong resident of Albany, Tony lived a full and happy life and always considered himself a fortunate man. Tony was predeceased by his three sisters Alice, Helen and Lillian. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Sheehan of Ireland, his treasured children Anthony (wife Roselle) daughter Sheri Ann; Thomas, James (wife Mary Nell) children Killeen and Conor; Kathleen (husband Santiago) children Peter and Joselin; John. Tony graduated from Vincentian Institute High School in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Army. Upon discharge from the service, Tony attended Siena College graduating in 1955. He was employed by the United States Postal Service and Albany County Department of Social Services. Tony was often seen attending his children and grandchildren's school and sporting events. Tony was a member of St. Pius X and devoted to the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants and the Siena Saints. Tony was a life member of the American Legion. For his service in World War II, Schmitz holds a Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation for fighting with the Army's 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division at Anzio. In May of 2012, France's ambassador to the United States thanked Schmitz for his bravery in helping to liberate France from Nazi occupation and awarded him that country's most prestigious decoration, the Legion of Honor, Chevalier. Schmitz also received an honorary diploma from Christian Brothers Academy. He was inducted into the Mohawk-Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame and to the Bishop Maginn High School Hall of Fame. He served as the Grand Marshall of the Albany Veteran’s Day Parade in 2012. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tony’s family on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:15am from the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, thence to St. Pius X Church, Loudonville at 11:00 am where his funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Tony Schmitz to Siena College Saints Alive 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York, 12211-146. To leave Tony’s family a message on their guestbook, light a candle, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.LGfuneralhome.com