William J Schmitt

Willam J. Schmitt passed away on August 9th at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest
from complications of Multiple Myeloma. Born in Hazleton, April 13, 1941. Bill was
a 1958 graduate of St Gabriel’s High School. Bill had many jobs as a young man. His
most memorable was as delivery boy for Tarone’s Market in Hazleton. In 1979, Bill
worked for IBEW Local 1600 as a fulltime business representative. This launched the
rest of his career as a union leader for PPL. He began his career working for PPL in
transmission and as materials foreman. Bill served as Vice President then in 1990-
1999 as President of the PPL Union. He also owned and operated the Blakeslee Fly
Fishing Club. He loved fly fishing and all the travels associated with it. His passion
for flyfishing is only matched by his passion for connecting with the many friends he
had. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Bill is preceded in death by his both parents Margaret O’Gara Schmitt and Foster
Schmitt, his brother and sister in-law Robert and Wanda Schmitt.
Bill is survived by his wife of 12 years, Janet M. Schmitt (Pantella), a son Christian
Schmitt, his wife Amanda and two grandchildren, Willamina and Esmerelda and
daughter Erin Schmitt as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 18 at 10:00 AM at St
Jude Church, 420 S. Mountain Blvd, Mountaintop, Pa 18707
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Church prior to the mass from 9:00
AM to10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: The
Multiple Myeloma charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton

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