John D. Schlemmer, 85, of Mann School Road, former owner of Dave’s Garage and Suzuki Motorcyle Sales for 40 years before retiring, died Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Miriam Hospital. He was the husband of Mary V. (Donahue) Schlemmer. They had been married for over 60 years and was often heard declaring “I married the best girl in Smithfield in 1947, Mary Donahue!”
He was the son of the late John E. and Gladys D. (Gove) Schlemmer. He was born in Smithfield and had been a lifelong resident.
He was a retired Airport Police Officer for the State of Rhode Island and a WWII Army Veteran serving in Okinawa, Japan. He enjoyed restoring antique trucks and motorcycles, target shooting and flying. He had been a private pilot since 1950. He was a life member of Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, the American Motorcycle Assoc., the New England Motorcycle Dealers Assoc., the RI Pilots Assoc., the American Pilots Assoc., and the Seaplane Pilots Assoc. He was the former Civil Defense Director for the Town of Smithfield.
Besides his wife he is survived by his children, John P. Schlemmer of Center Harbour, NH, Mary C. Della Torre and David J. Schlemmer both in Burrillville, Virginia M. Schlemmer-Lavoie, Ann M. Leach, Alice M. Schlemmer and Theresa A. Garlacy all of Smithfield, eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a sister Elinor Mills of Warwick.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at 8:30am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial will be private. Visitation Tuesday 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to WWII Memorial Commission of RI, 408 Broadway, Providence, RI 02900. If you need a ride to visitation or the funeral please call Anderson-Winfield Chauffeured Services at 401 949 5557.