Peter Gerald Schmeelk

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Gerald Thomas Peter Valenzi on June 18, 2016:

When I was a kid I would go spend part of the summers in Emerson, New Jersey. I would hang out with Steve and Peter Schmeelk. Pete was 6 years older than me but he would take the time to show me things, to teach me things. We would spend hours playing with his favorite toys. They were all military based ... soldiers, planes, tanks, half tracks, jeeps, howitzers and many other assorted military toys. Pete wasn't even in his teens yet, but it was kind obvious where he was going with his life. He was in the scouts at that time, and he went on to become an Eagle Scout. I remember how proud he was that he was accepted into West Point. I even got to visit him there once ... so impressive. He had quite a career. When I was a kid I looked forward to going to Emerson, New Jersey because Peter Gerald Schmeelk was my cousin and my hero and my role model. I chose the name Peter for my confirmation name because of him. The one thing that always rang true with Pete was that the passion he had a a kid playing with those toys stayed with him throughout his life and it served him well. I will miss you Cuz. My sincerest condolences to Karen, Greg, Julie, Christopher and Jonathan. May God wrap you in His loving arms and Bring you Peace. God Bless. "Well done good and faithful servant!" Mathew 25:21

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