David Frederick Schmitt

David F. Schmitt, 79, of Westwego, Louisiana, passed away on July 12, 2026. Born on November 2, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, he was the son of Katherine and Ernest Schmitt.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ernie Schmitt, his sister, Patricia, his son, Martin Charles Scherr, and his son-in-law, Gilbert Sanchez.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Bonnie Jean Schmitt of Westwego, Louisiana; his daughters, Mandy Schmitt of Syracuse, New York, and Christine Scherr Brannon, of Harvey, Louisiana; his son-in-law Michael Brannon, his five grandchildren, Camille Brannon of Orlando, Florida, Jarod Sanchez, Janelle Sanchez, Sebastian Sanchez, and Catalina Sanchez, all of Syracuse, New York; and his great-granddaughter, Cassia Sanchez of Syracuse, New York.

David graduated from North High School in Syracuse and attended Onondaga Community College. He retired from St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, where he worked in hospital security for many years. In 2015, he and Bonnie relocated from Bridgeport, New York, to the New Orleans area, where they made their home in Westwego.

A devoted Syracuse University sports fan, David proudly cheered on the Orangemen through good seasons and bad. He enjoyed watching all sports, had a deep appreciation for silent and classic films, enjoyed listening to all sorts of music from Bluegrass, New Orleans Jazz and Opera, loved dogs, catching beads at Mardi Gras, and treasured time spent with his family. 

David's greatest legacy was the way he lived his life with compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication to helping others. A member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he celebrated 53 years of sobriety and devoted himself to helping others achieve lasting recovery. His kindness, encouragement, and example touched many lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He was a parishioner of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marrero, Louisiana, and previously attended Bridgeport Methodist Church in Bridgeport, New York.

David will be remembered most for his love of family, his faith, his commitment to helping others, and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.