Life of John J Schlitt, Jr.
John Joseph Schlitt, Jr. passed away March 23, 2022, peacefully at his home. John was born November 7, 1932, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was the sixth of eight children born to Florence and John Schlitt, Sr. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Chapman Schlitt, sister Florine Martin, and brothers Frank, Ed and Louis. John loved his big family and enjoyed telling stories of growing up in Vero. He raised his own family of sons (John III, Larry, Greg, Gary) in Vero as well. In addition to his four sons and their spouses (Jim Conzelman, Wanda Powell Schlitt, Debbie Cardaman Schlitt, Amy Gross), John is survived by grandchildren Sarah, Lauren, Matthew and Aubrey, stepchildren Ian and Rise, sisters Delores Barth D'Amaro and Jean St Pierre, brother Bob, and countless nieces and nephews.

John studied architecture at the University of Florida and was a lifelong Gator fan. He was a veteran of the US Army and served overseas in Germany in the 1950s.

John had many passions in his lifetime. He was an avid tennis player. John was also an active member of St Helen Parish and its Charismatic Prayer Group, where he met his wife, Helen. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to the church earned him the St George Emblem for outstanding service to the spiritual development of Catholic youth.

As a boy, John was a Scouting enthusiast, earning many awards, including Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm, Order of the Arrow, and Silver Beaver. His love for Scouting led him to a decades-long avocation as leader with The Boy Scouts of America, from which he received national awards for his voluntary service.

John enjoyed a successful career as an architect, designing up until the last years of his life. No paper napkin was safe from John's sketching. His residential and commercial buildings seen across Indian River County are a lasting part of his legacy. He was especially proud of his work for the area Catholic diocese, including St John of the Cross Church, Knights of Columbus Hall, and St Helen Parish Center.

John held numerous voluntary leadership roles with civic organizations and local causes in his beloved hometown, including Vero Beach Historical Society, American Institute of Architects, Habitat for Humanities, Indian River County Mental Health Center, YMCA, Jaycees, University of Florida Alumni Association, St Helen Harvest Festival, and Exchange Club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St Helen Youth on a Mission, check made payable to St Helen Parish, 2085 Tallahassee Avenue, Vero Beach FLA 32960.