Rolf D. Schmidt
Rolf Schmidt Obituary
“There is no surviving memory of the birth of Rolf Dieter Schmidt”
– Mazzeno, Laurence W. Omi: Mother Courage. Morgantown, PA: Masthof Press 2008. Print.
A Wonderful and Special Human Being
Rolf was born in Germany, February 10, 1933. During the early 1950's he earned his apprenticeship as a toolmaker and through additional studies at night, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In 1957, with those skills and a strong adventurous spirit, he managed to emigrate with his wife and young daughter to the United States; known to him as the Land of Opportunity.He arrived with only a few coins in his pocket and a simple suitcase in his hand.
On the evening of September 7, 2022 this mentor and benefactor finished his devotion to our community.
This creative andtechnically minded man initially focused his career on developing and improving medical devices for ophthalmology and wound closure. His leadership yielded dramatic improvements in healthcare and life changing medical technology.
Rolf later turned his focus to philanthropy in the Berks County communitywith a focus on education and the arts. His efforts can be seen in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center as well as the ongoing development of RACC faculty and alumni. His greatest pride came from the many successes of students that have benefited from his foresight and generosity.
His life was the manifestation of the American Dream.
Rolf is predeceased by his parents August Wilhelm Schmidt and Hertha Anna Marie Schmidt his wife Renate; his Daughter Petra and sisters Annelori and Barbra.
Rolf is survived by his brothers Wolfgang , Einhard, Bill, Michael and Joe. Also surviving are a son Rolf A. and grandchildren Amanda, Tyson and Harrison, and two beloved Terriers Suzie and Mitzie.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers; please feel free to make a donation in Rolf's memory to the Foundation for Reading Area Community College, or the Foundation for the Reading Public Museum.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rolf D. Schmidt, please visit our floral store.
