Dr. Alfred Otto Schmitz

Dr. Alfred Otto Schmitz, 93, died Friday, Dec 29 at Greenville Glen Assisted Living in Greenville, SC, after a brief illness. Born in Elizabeth, NJ Apr. 1 1924, he was the only child of the late Otto and Sophie (Haybach) Schmitz. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Alberta (Sorge) Schmitz.

In WWII he served from 1942 to 1946 in the US Air Force as a pilot. After the war he worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories in NY and Murray Hill, NJ as an instrument maker before returning to college in 1953.

In 1957 he received his BA from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. In 1960 he received his PHD in philosophy from the University of NC at Chapel Hill. He was professor of philosophy and logic at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC from 1961 to 1986, serving also as department chair, and subsequently Director of Financial Aid until his retirement in 1989. At Converse, he also organized FilmSouth, bringing contemporary independent film to the Spartanburg area. A percussionist in the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra for twenty years, he received the Henry Janiec Award for spirit, dedication and talent.

Survivors include two daughters Betty Schmitz of Bozeman, MT and Barbara Ellen Mezzacca of Berkeley Heights, NJ; two sons Alan Otto Schmitz and wife Nancy of Greenville, SC and Eric Albert Schmitz and wife Fang of New Providence, NJ; five grandsons Jason and Marc Mezzacca, Jon Kyle Schmitz, John and Alex Schmitz; three granddaughters, Kaylyn Cordero, Alyson Henderson and Michelle Schmitz; one great-granddaughter, Mia Cordero; and his sister-in-law, Peggy Hills of New Providence, NJ.

There will be a private family memorial service. Donations in remembrance of Dr. Schmitz can be sent to the Converse College School of Music student scholarship fund.