Daniel Edward Schmitt

Daniel Schmitt passed away on March 2, 2023. He was only 69 years old and weeks shy of his 70th birthday. He was the youngest of 2. He is the son of the late Edgar E. Schmitt and Barb (Miller) Schmitt

For all the lives that Danny touched, I am certain he left behind a happy memory. He loved music, especially playing the drums. He was a drummer for the Indianettes. He also played the drums for a local band that played in the Bellevue area.

Danny also had a fascination with planes, his father would take him to Pittsburgh international Airport watch the planes. He loved seeing the planes as they took off and landed. He could even identify the plane’s model type as they landed.

This is what changed his career path to enlist in the Air Force. Starting out his military career as a plane mechanic, his true dream was to be a pilot. Unfortunately, he did not have 20/20 vision, so his superiors suggested air traffic controlling. Danny was thrilled with the idea. This is where his life in the military took off. He was able to travel around the world with the Air Force.

After serving 11 years in the Air Force, Danny was one of many Air Traffic Controllers that was called to duty once President Reagan decided to counter a strike of the air traffic controllers by pulling all the air traffic controllers out of the military to fill in.

Danny continued his career with the FAA of air traffic controllers and was able to retire early. He enjoyed retirement by working odd jobs to keep busy until he was diagnosed with cancer.

Danny leaves behind a nephew Richard Shelton, Nieces’ Pam McBurney and Patty Sylvester, great nephews Gary Jr McBurney and Nick Shelton and Great Nieces’ Melissa McBurney and Julia Shelton.

Services will take place at a later date.