Submitted by: Dan Rich

Philip G. Schmatz

July 7, 1961 - May 24, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/26/2008
MISHAWAKA - Philip G. Schmatz, 46, of Mishawaka, passed away at his residence on May 24, 2008. Philip was born July 7, 1961, in Dunkirk, New York to Philip F. and Joanne (Michalski) Schmatz. His father preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother, Joanne Schmatz of Mishawaka; his brothers, Daniel (Lori) Schmatz of Mishawaka, Bill (Patti) Schmatz of South Bend, and Robert (Cindy) Schmatz of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Jordan, Jenna and Jacob Schmatz, Tyler, Connor, and Kelli Schmatz, and Audrey and Ryan Schmatz; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Philip attended Cardinal Mindszenty Catholic High School in Dunkirk, New York before his family relocated to the Mishawaka area in 1978. Philip graduated from Penn High School, class of 1979, and then went on to earn his Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. For the last six years, Philip was employed as a Service Manager at Forest River Inc. of Elkhart. Memberships include the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, the Lakeside Club of Dunkirk, New York, the DiLoreto Club of Mishawaka, and the "Phi Bets" Fraternity of the University of Dayton. In his spare time, Philip was an avid golfer, loved watching the Cubs, NASCAR Racing, and the University of Notre Dame sports teams. Philip also enjoyed participating in baseball, basketball, and city league softball teams. Growing up in New York, Philip was nicknamed "Oscar" while in High School by his friends. He would later become "Scuttles" while in College. Philip was very family oriented and was involved with his nieces and nephews activities, as well as caring for and helping his mother Joanne at their house. In lieu of flowers, the Schmatz family asks that donations be made in Philip's memory to the Queen of Peace Catholic School in Mishawaka.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, with a Rosary service to be conducted at 5:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008, in Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Scheidt presiding. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.