Deacon Roger Schmith, age 75, of Woodridge, after a courageous battle against cancer. Deacon Roger is retired from the West Suburban Community Pantry, which he co-founded, and where he served in a volunteer capacity for twenty years.

 

The focus of his life was social justice.  He was a member of the Illinois Hunger Coalition and the Catholic Roundtable of Social Action Directors. He served as Secretary of the Community Affairs Division of the Illinois Catholic Conference, and was Joliet Diocesan Legislative Advocacy Coordinator.  He was a speaker at the National Social Justice Ministries Gathering in Washington D.C. and at the Diocesan Peace and Justice Institute on Legislative Advocacy.

 

Roger served as a Deacon at St. Scholastica since 1983, was on the Parish Pastoral Council, Christian Service Commission, RCIA team, and coordinated baptism and marriage preparation. Prior to founding the West Suburban Community Pantry, he served as chairperson of Downer Grove FISH, a non-denominational service provider of food, financial assistance, and transportation to people in need.

 

He is the beloved husband of Barbara (nee Dorsey); loving father of Scott Schmith, Gretchen Higgins, Matthew (Annie) Kiskunas, David Schmith, Andrea Schmith and Jeremy (Beatrice) Schmith; cherished grandfather of Andrew Schmith, Michael and Amanda Higgins, Dylan and Grace Castro; proud great-grandfather of three; dear brother of Charles (Marty) Schmith, Robert (Karen) Schmith, Nicholas (Debbie) Schmith, Arnold (Shelli) and Theresa (David) Wenham; also survived by 13 nieces and nephews.

 

Visitation Wednesday, January 6, from 4 to 8pm at St. Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Ave. Woodridge, IL. 60517. Visitation will continue on Thursday, January 7, from 9:30 am until an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Scholastica Church. Interment S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Roger Schmith Memorial Fund at the West Suburban Community Pantry, 6809 Hobson Valley Dr., Woodridge, Il 60517. Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Downers Grove is assisting the family. For info (630) 964-6500