SOUTH PARIS – Joseph Frank Schmotzer Jr., 86, formerly of Slidell, La., died Wednesday, July 30, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, after a short illness.

He was born on Aug. 15, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Della (Rice) Schmotzer. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the Case School of Engineering.

He served his country as a Naval officer during World War II. On Oct. 27, 1945, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Ruth (Worth) Schmotzer of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where they initially made their home.

Over the years, his engineering career in the manufacturing, nuclear and aerospace industries took him to positions in Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Maine, Georgia, and Louisiana. He retired from Lockheed-Martin in New Orleans and was always proud of his division that built the liquid fuel tanks for NASA’s space shuttle program.

Joe and Ruth made lifelong friends everywhere they lived. He had many and varied interests. He was an active Shriner over the years, especially dedicated to fund-raising projects to help children that were burn victims. His hobbies included model railroading and woodworking. An avid golfer, he recorded two “holes in one” during his lifetime at his home course, the Pinewood Country Club of Slidell, La.

He is survived by his sister, Lt. Cmdr. Mary Schmotzer, USN, (Ret.), 92, of Center Point, La.; his daughter, Connie Schmotzer Fletcher of Paris; and granddaughter, Michelle Silveira of Yarmouth.

He was predeceased by Ruth Schmotzer, his wife of 62 years; his son, Gary Frank Schmotzer; and his brother, Madison Alexander of Canfield, Ohio.

The family expresses their appreciation to all of the wonderful staff and residents at the Maine Veterans’ Home, who were so kind to Joe during his stay.