Henry Winship Schmitt

January 10, 1950 - April 19, 2020
Henry Winship Schmitt


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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Henry Winship Schmitt (also lovingly known to family and friends as “Win”), 70, who passed away, April 19, 2020 from complications of a septic infection.

Win was born on January 10, 1950 in Norfolk, Virginia to Earl J. and Margaret Mary Schmitt. Win was predeceased by his parents.

Win is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Rosemary Schmitt, his beloved daughters Regina Schmitt and Lauren Schmitt; his beloved sons Henry Schmitt, Jr., Michael Schmitt and Matthew Schmitt; his siblings, Theresa Crawmer, Earl Schmitt, Paul Schmitt, John Schmitt, Philip Schmitt and Jerome Schmitt along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Win spent much of his life living in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. He proudly served as a member of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC for thirty-three years. Win was dedicated to his profession and gave his heart and his all every day on the job. Win always felt there was more to law enforcement than just enforcing the law. He always extended a helping hand to people in need and to the most vulnerable in the community he served. He retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in 2004 and moved with his family to Wilmington, North Carolina to be close to the ocean he so loved. Win was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved nature and the outdoors. Win had a true joy for life and shared that joy and warmth unconditionally with everyone he knew or met. Win suffered a debilitating stroke four years ago and spent the remaining years of his life confined to bed. Win never complained throughout his illness about his fate. He remained thankful to have his family close by and grateful they were there to care for him. Win will be remembered most by his family and friends for his love of family, his big heart, his generosity, his kindness, his caring nature and his love of hard shell crabs. The family wants to express their sincerest gratitude and love to Win’s at home caregivers, Linda Chase, Stephanie Bridges, Cathy Richardson and Sharon Beyer who provided loving care and comfort for Win in the last years of his life.

A memorial service and celebration of Win’s life will be planned at a future date when family and friends can safely gather to honor and remember Win.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403
910-791-9099


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  • April 25, 2020
    Beth High says:
    What a wonderful tribute to your husband. I know he will be missed. Love to all the family.

  • April 25, 2020
    Winship says:
    This brought me to tears, my favorite picture of dad and the perfect summary of his life. I miss you and will be thinking of you the next time I clam in OC.

  • May 02, 2020
    Richard Lau says:
    I worked with Henry's brother John for many years on the MPDC. We had an assignment at D.C. General Hospital where Henry showed up from the 7th District. Smiles abound from the medical staff because both were in uniform making it difficult to tell them apart. My condolences go out to John, Earl and the entire Schmitt family. Richard H. Lau

  • August 01, 2020
    Sonia Schmitt says:
    Uncle Winship was always the "fun" uncle. He always had jokes to share and made everyone laugh. When I was a kid, he also loved the Redskins and the Orioles, just like his dad. I remember biking to his house one day when I was 12--and it was quite a long distance. I also remember when he met Rosemary and everything in his life seemed happy and peaceful to him. He was very excited to live in NC and raise his beautiful children.