Albert Jules Schmitt

Albert Jules Schmitt was born July 15, 1948 in New Orleans, La and entered eternal rest on October 18, 2023 in Jonesboro, La.

Albert was born to Earl J. Schmitt, Sr. and Yvonne Gallinghouse Schmitt of Algiers Point. Early in life Al learned the value of hard work from his parents and was a whiz with numbers from a very young age, often helping his parents balance the deposits for their business.

Al graduated from St. Aloysius in 1966 where he made many lifelong friends who he stayed in contact with until his passing. The love and support of his friends was very important to him throughout his life.

He attended Louisiana State University where he became an avid fan of their football team as well as the New Orleans Saints.  He then transferred to Seafarer’s Academy in Piney Point, MD where he completed his education.

Al became a tugboat captain with Crescent Towing and Salvage and spent many years on the Mississippi River. While on the water he honed his cooking skills and became an excellent chef. He mastered making peanut butter fudge and was affectionately known as Uncle Fudge to many.

In 2006, Capt. Al Schmitt was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Department of Homeland Security - US Coast Guard because he and his crew prevented 2 ships from striking the levee near Algiers Point when the Mississippi River crested 6 inches from the top of the levee during Hurricane Katrina.

 When not on the water he had a way of making others happy with his cooking, his photography and his snow ball making.

 Al was a staple in his beloved Algiers Point community for his entire life, and he was an devoted member of multiple community organizations including Algiers Lion's Club, Algiers Point Association, Blue Knights Men's Club, Kiwanis Club of Algiers, Sunshine Club and Friends of the Algiers Courthouse.

His giving nature and the love he had for others was evident throughout his life. He had a special place in his heart for, and is survived by, his siblings Earl J. Schmitt, Jr (Joyce), Yvonne Suzannah Schmitt, Mary Ann Griffin (Donald), and his nieces and nephews Faith Schmitt Sears (William), Brent Schmitt (Alexka Chan), Donnie Griffin (Denise), Katie Griffin Ross (Kyle) and Nicholas Griffin.

Al was always ready to share a joke and a laugh or lend an ear to anyone in need.   He lived by the simple rules of “Think Deeply, Speak Gently, Love Much, Laugh A lot, Work hard, Give Freely and Be Kind.”

Al's family sincerely thanks the staff of Forest Haven Rehabilitation Facility in Jonesboro, Louisiana for their outstanding care and abundant kindness for Al in his final years. The family would also like to thank his devoted nurses Erica Gilmore and Charlotte McNeal who provided love and comfort to him.

 Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the visitation at Holy Name of Mary Church, Algiers, La on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 am Visitation, 10:30 am Rosary, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Algiers, La. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Holy Name of Mary Church in Al’s memory.