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McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - Mt. Pleasant Location

1520 Rifle Range Rd

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Dean Schmelter Obituary

Dean Schmelter MT. PLEASANT - Dean Michael Schmelter, born on August 2, 1955, in Dayton, OH, bid farewell to this world on August 25, 2023, in Mt Pleasant, SC. At the age of 68, after a 16-month battle with brain cancer, he died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and cherished him. Dean's journey was a tapestry woven with passion and achievement. He attended Norwich University for his bachelor's degree, and then received an MBA from Rochester Polytechnic Institute. He started his career in industrial water treatment, where he quickly rose through the corporate world. Dean spent countless hours creating chemicals in his lab which he called his "sandbox". He ingeniously formulated and patented multiple water treatment chemicals and started his own water chemistry manufacturing companies. He became a titan, trusted and respected for his business acumen, and he found immense delight in his work. Beyond the achievements of his office and lab, Dean loved playing golf and supporting his sports teams including the Yankees, Clemson, Tennessee, and the College of Charleston. He found a zest for life while traversing the globe alongside his cherished wife, Karen Schmelter, as well as close friends and family. He loved sharing experiences with loved ones while enjoying wine, food, history, art, and gardens. His love for culinary arts was evident as he spent hours on end creating intricate dishes while being serenaded by operatic melodies or show tunes. Dean's positive thinking and ability to believe in himself was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Colleagues, friends, and family found in him not only a mentor but also a benevolent giver, his generosity touching lives far and wide. Dean's laughter was contagious, and his unwavering cheerful demeaner filled every room with joy. The cornerstone of his world was undoubtedly his wife, Karen, affectionately known as Queenie. As a dedicated family man, Dean's love extended fervently to his family, including his daughter, Lauren Cox; his son, Garrett Schmelter; his son-in-law, Robert Cox; his daughter-in-law, Meghan McGaha; his grandsons, Connor Cox and Landon Cox; and his brother, Peter Schmelter. Dean also adored his cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and all his nieces and nephews. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Raymond Schmelter and Marian Schmelter (Jensen). Dean's authenticity revealed a man more interested in your perspective and connection than the cut of your hair or the style of your clothes. With a jolly unassuming nature, he would greet everyone he encountered with love and respect. His legacy is an immense heart, unwavering integrity, and a sharp, dry wit that would leave smiles in its wake. His motto, "drive fast, take chances," encapsulated his approach to life, urging those around him to seize every moment and embrace adventure. A celebration of Dean's life will be held to honor and remember him at a future date. If you are interested in donating in Dean's honor, please consider making a donation to The American Cancer Society to enable the ongoing fight against cancer. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home located at 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Schmelter

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Mary

September 17, 2023

Karen and Family,
No one can see how you all took such loving care of Dean. You were his rock. I am so sorry for your loss but you fulfilled his life with lots of love.
Thinking of you,
Mary and Marvin

Diane Stadterman

September 7, 2023

So sad for your loss. I will always have fond thoughts of him. So outgoing and loving life

Michael and Kim Chimenti

September 7, 2023

Dear Karen,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dean. He was always so friendly and kind. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Michael and Kim Chimenti ,

Craig A. Vogel Norwich 1977

September 6, 2023

I remember Dean well as we were classmates at Norwich. My best memory is a funny one that occurred when my mother would ship me a "care package".
Somehow, Dean got wind of it when one arrived.
He would show up and ask " Hey, Vogs...did your mom send you some of her cookies?"... I would break down and say yes, and we both would enjoy a few handfuls of homemade cookies.
I have always enjoyed that memory.
The Lord's blessings to your family.
Craig Vogel ,"Vogs". Norwich class of 1977

Kathy Sanders

September 4, 2023

Dear Karen and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Deans passing. May you be comforted by many wonderful memories and know you now have an angel watching over you. Prayers and love, Kathy & John Sanders

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Melanie & Kevin Murray

Planted Trees

Melanie & Kevin Murray

September 3, 2023

Dean will be sorely missed in our small community. Our sincerest condolences on his passing.

Patty and Eugene Pretorius

September 2, 2023

Our deepest sympathy Karen to you and your family. What a beautifully written, heart- felt obituary escapsulating the depth of Dean! We are honored to have had the chance to know Dean and experience his warmth, sharp wit, intellect, and enthusiasm for his work, life and family. We are so sorry for your loss and are here to support you in whatever you might need.
Love, Patty and Eugene

Mike Semken

September 1, 2023

Hey Karen so sorry for your loss. What a great man and he will be sadly missed. Sorry I didn´t get to see y´all sooner. Rest in peace Mr. Dean . Many Prayers

Lyn connery

August 31, 2023

Dear Karen
May all your beautiful memories get you through this difficult time of tragic loss. You are surrounded by so many people that love you, lean on them. You and your family are in my prayers. Love, lyn

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Tom and Carol Murphy

Planted Trees

Kathy Fadziewicz

August 31, 2023

Karen I´m so saddened to hear of Dean´s passing . Please accept my deepest condolences. I know you will Cherish the special memories
And deep love that you shared

Karen Romano

August 31, 2023

Dearest Karen and family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. The one time I was honored to meet him in CT while at your sisters during the TPC, I really admired his gentle nature and his intelligence. May the beautiful memories of him sustain you until we all meet again. Prayers, hugs and much love, Karen Romano - classmate from NHS 1972

Paul Lombardino

August 31, 2023

Karen I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dean. Though we didn't know each other well, I always respected his kindness and admired his impressive success. His memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire us all. My condolences to you and his many loved ones during this difficult time.

David Miller

August 31, 2023

Karen; We heard through sister Trudy that Dean has passed away. We lost contact years ago but I know you had been with my Mom in St. Augustine before she passed a year ago April. I remember Dean well when he was a young guy dating you and he worked for me as concert security along with Chip, Skip and Mel.
We offer our sincere condolences.
Kip and Pat Miller
Englewood, Fl.

Al Gianini

August 30, 2023

So sorry to learn of Dean's passing. I grew up with Dean in West Hartford. I played football with him at Conard and Dean taught me how to rock climb. He touched my life. Please accept my condolences. Al Gianini Conard 1973

Beverly St.Onge, Newington, CT Class of 1972

August 30, 2023

Karen and family:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father, Dean.
Prayers and hugs to you all.

Nora Lavery-Petrash

August 30, 2023

Oh Karen, so sorry for your loss. Sending you thoughts and prayers for strength.

Patrick Doone

August 30, 2023

I am sorry forDean´s passing.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Pat & Joe Comartin

Planted Trees

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Mark and Lisa Dunne

Planted Trees

Debra Charter

August 30, 2023

Ron and I are grieving the loss of our brother in law who was so much more than that. He was a brother and a friend. He was kind, generous and fun. We will hold in our hearts memories of vacations, holidays, golf outings and many wine and culinary experiences. R.I.P. We will see you on the other side.

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McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - Mt. Pleasant Location

1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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