Richard David Schmitt

Richard David Schmitt May 5, 1958 – April 22, 2020 Richard David Schmitt walked through his beloved garden for the last time on April 22, 2020. Richard was born in Torrington, CT, on May 5, 1958, to Harry and Veronica Schmitt, becoming the younger brother of his beloved sister Charlotte, and eventually the older brother to his sister LuAnn. Having grown up on a farm, Richard learned to rise early, work hard, appreciate nature and all things that grow, as well as admire the beauty of a spectacular sunrise. Special traits that would follow him throughout his life. He attended Wamogo Regional High School, Litchfield, CT, and immediately became involved with the 4H and the FFA – Future Farmers of America. In 1978, Richard decided to head south to West Palm Beach, FL, and attend a local floral design school in Lake Worth, FL. While flowers and plants were his passion and became his hobby, the retail and hospitality industries are where he shined, thanks to his strong work ethic and attention to taking care of details. We met in 1982 on, of all things, a "singles-cruise" and the rest is history . . . .to know Richard is to love him – the good, the questionable, the "twitching" blue eyes, and that quirky smile. Richard leaves behind his longtime life partner, Doug Ramirez of Royal Palm Beach, FL, his loving mother and sister, Veronica Schmitt and Charlotte Rebillard, both of West Palm Beach, FL, and his sister LuAnn Schmitt-Allen and her family (Randy, Thomas and Emily) of Lakeland, FL. There are also many friends, neighbors, co-workers, business associates and mentors that he has left behind. Richard's father Harry, his grandparents on both sides, the Schmitt's and the Casson's, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, have waited patiently for him in Heaven. Let's not forget Arbe, Brandi, Billy, Zeus, and Trixie who have been waiting to play together again as well. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in the garden that he loved. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, FL, in his honor would be appreciated.