Terry Joseph Schmitt

Terry Joseph Schmitt, 77, of Lafayette, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Health Care, Lafayette. Most recently, Terry struggled with late-stage dementia and the family feels comforted that he is now at peace in God’s hands. They wish to thank the dedicated team at the St. Mary’s facility for helping to make this transition so peaceful.

Terry was born February 22, 1948, in Lafayette to the late Stanley Joseph and Dolores Rose “Peach” (Moser) Schmitt. He attended St. Lawrence Elementary and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School (1966) and the University of Notre Dame (1970). He married Maribeth Cassidy at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in 1969. Terry and Maribeth then headed to Notre Dame to “play house” for Terry’s senior year, learning how to be grown-ups without a manual. Their love lasted across seven different decades, from the 1960s through the 2020s, where the culture changed as often as the fashion trends. It took a strong love to adapt and grow amid such evolving times.

Terry was an exceptionally loving and supportive father. He bought his son Brady any toy he wanted; however, he always bought two of them so they could share in the experience! He coached his elementary school basketball team, attended his youth league baseball games and all tennis matches, even when Brady was the high school coach at CC. They shared in their fandom of sports teams, such as the Cubs and the 49ers. Terry was the biggest fan of Brady’s musical talents, attending every gig as long as it started before 9 pm! Most importantly, Brady remembers his Dad as one who loved him unconditionally.

Terry was a CPA and dedicated member of the leadership team for the City of Lafayette, serving for 15 years as deputy controller. Prior to that he had his own firm, Controller Services, Inc., where he supported many local businesses with their accounting operations. Additionally, he served in controller positions at businesses such as Warren Industries and Justrite Foods in Lafayette and Pepsi Cola in Muncie. Earlier he worked in accounting firms with Jack Mellon, Larry Painter, and at the firms of Girardot, Strauch, and Cox in Lafayette, and Arthur Anderson in Indianapolis.

Terry was a key figure in the efforts to convince the Diocese of Lafayette not to close Central Catholic High School in 1990, and to help set it on a path to prosperity. His commitment to Catholic education was strong, and he assisted for years with the financial administration of the Lafayette Catholic Schools.

Sports and games of any kind were an integral part of Terry’s DNA. He played baseball in youth leagues, for the Legion team, on his high school team, and during his freshman year at Notre Dame. Somewhere in the early days of baseball, he was given the nickname “Pink” and it endured through high school and beyond. He was an avid golfer and excelled at tennis doubles play. He loved Notre Dame football and was a season ticket holder for Purdue football and for women’s basketball. He would play any board game, card game, or Pinball game, etc., and accept any challenge presented. Terry was a member of the Eagles aerie #347 where he played Cribbage weekly with close friends. He was also a founding member of Table 31 at the Lafayette Brewing Company.

Along with his wife Maribeth, he is survived by his son Brady Joseph (Leslie) Schmitt of Indianapolis; and his brother Louis C. (Ginny) Schmitt of Glendale, AZ. Family was important to Terry, and he grew up with many Moser and Steill cousins who shared numerous adventures at the Clubhouse on the Wildcat Creek. In addition, he leaves several loving nieces and nephews on both the Cassidy and Schmitt sides of the extended families.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Peach Schmitt and his grandparents Charles and Mildred “Mick” Phillips.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 3:45 pm on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN 47909.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 1207 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN 47901. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, 2122 Old Romney Rd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the athletics program at Central Catholic High School via giving.lcss.org.