Harold was born on June 17, 1923 in Sprockhovel, Germany, the son of Frank and Kate (Krogel) Schmidt. They moved to the U.S. during the depression and ran a chicken farm in New Jersey. Harold had a strict German, catholic father who molded him into a hardworking and frugal man. He had a difficult childhood but met the girl of his dreams, Millicent Naugardt, after moving to his uncle’s farm in New Jersey. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, stationed in Boston during WWII, as a hospital corpsman. While raising his young family and attending night classes for 11 years at Rutgers University, Harold earned his B.S. in Chemistry (Magna cum Laude). He retired from Novartis in Toms River, NJ where he specialized in the synthesis and manufacturing of pigments such as Irgazin yellow used to color roads and school buses and later specializing in the process development of antioxidants for industrial plastics. After retirement, Harold and his wife moved to Michigan where he enjoyed fly fishing, listening to Mozart, photography, and playing bridge. Harold and Millicent enjoyed traveling and going on cruises together.
Harold made it clear to others that he was proud of his sons. He was often found bragging about their achievements. He supported his children’s activities as they grew and always required that they do their best.
Harold is survived by his sons, Douglass Norbert (Connie) Schmidt of Honor, MI and Harold Frank (Elizabeth) Schmidt of Colts Neck, NJ; grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) of Apex, NC, Darren (Karen) of Kanata, Ontario, and Douglass (Becky) of Wheeling, WV; and great grandchildren, Adam, Evelyn, Cole, Reid, and Levi.
Preceding Harold in death are his wife, Millicent Schmidt; parents, Frank and Kate; and sister, Doris.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 1 pm at Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City with visitation starting at 12:30 pm.
Please share your fond memories of Harold at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.
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