LARRY "BABE" SCHMITT

Colleagues of Larry “Babe” Schmitt this week are reflecting on his unbridled passion for the city of Wheeling and his many contributions to the local community and its residents over the years as an educator, coach, city leader and friend.

Schmitt died Saturday at age 77, surrounded by his family. Friends and family will be received from 1-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Kepner Funeral Home in Wheeling. Services and interment will be at the convenience of the family.

A Wheeling native, Schmitt was born in the city in 1947 and graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1965. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from West Liberty State College in 1969 and earned his master of arts degree from West Virginia University.

Schmitt taught history at Wheeling Park High School for more than three decades and worked as a substitute for 10 years following his retirement. He also served as a wrestling coach at the former Triadelphia High School and an assistant football coach at Wheeling Park.

“He was a really well-liked faculty member,” former WPHS Principal and Ohio County Schools Superintendent George Krelis said. “The students in his classes always were drawn to his easy going but demanding way. Larry always put his students first and went out of his way to support them in any way he could.”

Wheeling University President Dianna Vargo, also a WPHS teacher and principal and OCS superintendent, noted that Schmitt showed a true dedication to his role as a teacher, coach and mentor to countless young Patriots.

“Mr. Schmitt served as a dedicated educator for Ohio County Schools for many years,” Vargo said. “He was passionate about teaching history, and he was very supportive of the academic and athletic endeavors of his students.”

From 1996 to 2004, Schmitt served as a member of Wheeling City Council, representing Ward 1, including his home neighborhood of Warwood, where he was a member of the Warwood Vets and the 2002 Warwood Lions Citizen of the Year..

“Babe Schmitt was one of the most honorable men I ever met in my life,” said former Wheeling Mayor Nick Sparachane. “After each election, he would go to church and pray that he would do a good job for the city, which he held in the highest respect.”

“Babe was the ultimate citizen,” Sparachane added. “He had great respect for the city and its workers. He believed in public service and was one of the most loyal people I ever met in my life”.

Sparachane added that Schmidt was instrumental in obtaining the funding from the West Virginia Grants Commission that ultimately funded The Highlands, and also helped lead renovations to the Wheeling Civic Center and the Capitol Theatre.

Former Wheeling City Manager Will Turani also spoke to Schmitt’s passion for service and his city.

“Babe truly cared and always wanted to do the right thing for the people of the city of Wheeling,” he said. “In addition, Babe was a wonderful person who I will not soon forget.”

Current Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron called Schmitt a “true pleasure” to work with. Schmitt was cordial, he said, but could also be tough when it came to issues he was passionate about.

“He could be very intense on city matters, particularly on finances,” Herron noted. “He was calm, thoughtful and would always think issues through from every possible angle.”

Those who worked with Schmitt will not soon forget his character, Herron noted.

“He was fair, had an incredible wit and sense of humor and was proud to be a community leader,” Herron said.

Mike Nau served decades as a city administrator and city councilman in Wheeling, but his service to the city alongside Schmitt was not their only connection.

“Babe was my brother-in-law and my friend,” Nau said. “I have known him for over 50 years. Babe had the kind of personality that made him instantly likable. He was a man of great character, which was one of his greatest attributes. He loved his family above all.”

Schmitt’s passion for the city of Wheeling and its citizens will forever be a part of his legacy, Nau noted.

“Being a teacher for decades you can only imagine how many lives he touched,” Nau said. “I was thrilled to serve on council with him. He always did the right thing for the betterment of the entire city. His honesty and integrity was without question.”