John Emile Schmeltzer III

John E. Schmeltzer III (Jack), a distinguished lawyer whose career spanned nearly four decades at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, passed away at home on Saturday, June 15. He was 76.

Born and raised in New York City, Jack attended St. Bernard’s School, Phillips Exeter Academy, Princeton University and earned his law degree from Fordham Law School.

After graduating, he joined Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler as an associate and became a partner in the corporate department. Jack specialized in representing publicly traded and privately held oil, gas, and mining companies and worked extensively on transnational and specialty infrastructure projects.

In addition to his corporate work, Jack was deeply committed to work for the Sakharov Foundation in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. He retired from Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler in 2014.

Jack dedicated significant time and resources to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Greenwich, serving in various capacities and supporting numerous church-related initiatives. He was also a lifelong equestrian, finding joy in his time spent with horses, riding the trails in Fairfield and Westchester Counties and especially his favorite trails near Ballyfin in Ireland.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 20th at 2:00 pm at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. The mass will be followed by a reception at Round Hill Club, 33 Round Hill Club Road, Greenwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fordham University Law School, John E. Schmeltzer IV Memorial Scholarship.

Jack will be remembered for his significant legal achievements, unwavering dedication to his faith, and passion for equestrian pursuits. His legacy of integrity, hard work, and compassion will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched. Jack was predeceased by his son John and his brother William. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Patricia Serrell (Pixie), and his brother, Frederick, of Palm Springs, CA.