Frederick Robin SCHMELZER

Frederick Robin Schmelzer was born Feb 20, 1945 in Hollywood, California and passed away January 2nd, 2023 in St. Peters, Missouri. In between he grew up in Westport, Connecticut; was a proud graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri; and wrestled hurricanes for many years in Florida. He was also a frequent visitor to Utah to see his stepdaughter and grandchildren. Frederick was an intellectual who wore many hats: art history major, commune living hippie; fashion model, sommelier, business owner, sailor, azalea gardener, NPR/PBS supporter, beachcomber, name-dropper, collector, Cardinal fan, but his most cherished title was “Grandpa 904” to Evan, Maddie, Jacob and Camden. (The nickname stuck after the grandkids learned to dial his St. Augustine area code phone number to chat across the miles.) He was the son of the late Olive Grimshaw and Robert Henry Schmelzer. He was very proud of his heritage and loved to tell their stories, including interactions with President Nixon and Ernest Hemingway. He protested war, loved to talk, was an avid reader, and a strong debater (even though to most it may have felt like an argument, he meant well and to find common ground). He was the ultimate 100+ point scrabble player and loved to play bridge. He also enjoyed puzzles – and if a piece was missing, he was convinced that the puzzle manufacturers were in error and never that a cat would sneak away with the missing ones. He despised technology glitches and having to call customer support. He paid no mind to mold. His woodpile was a never-ending work-in-progress. Frederick was the New Yorker magazine’s most loyal subscriber – he read and kept every issue. We enjoyed countless walks on the beach with him, looking for shark teeth and beach glass. Frederick was a mix of very practical and minimalistic and at other times extravagant, lavish, and over the top. He loved a good t-shirt but kept a tuxedo at the ready in his closet. Finding random wood pieces brought him joy. He made friends everywhere and never forgot an acquaintance. He enjoyed wine, rum, Panama hats, Bob Dylan, vinyl records, maps of Paris (especially The Map), and enjoying nature with friends. A highlight of his life was hearing Pavorotti sing on the beach in Miami. He kept the number to the White House in his black book. We are all grateful he introduced us to Zabars and the writings of MFK Fisher on fine foods. Flamenco music filled the kitchen while he cooked. He loved to travel, especially to Europe. In Spain, he was entranced by the running of the bulls, (but smart enough not to join in). Other favorite trips were to France, Italy, and Ireland. He loved to visit with his Dad in the Caribbean and Latin America. He felt at home in Key West. We pray that his most recent departure gives him peace and rest from mortal ails. Until we meet again, we will cherish the good memories we have of him. He is survived by his stepdaughter Cathy Hales (Matthew), Saudi Arabia; stepson Michael Wilson, Wentzville, Missouri; and four grandchildren. He spent over 30 years with Violet, his devoted companion and wife until circumstances resulted in a recent dissolution of marriage. He is also survived by a sister, a niece, and two nephews. He also leaves behind dear friends of any decades. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. A private memorial was held in Utah in February and a Celebration of Life was held on August 6th at 4pm at the Lake Saint Louis Clubhouse, 100 Cognac Court 63367. Throughout his life, Frederick always had music on in the background. Please add your favorite Frederick song to the following Spotify playlist: FRS 45-23. Here is a link to his tribute video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-R-lljiSsvkBtDmOUJppQyTzMmTYDUzX/view?usp=sharing

Frederick Robin SCHMELZER

February 20, 1945 - January 2, 2023