Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Roosevelt University

FUNERAL HOME

Shalom Memorial Funeral Home - Arlington Heights

1700 W. Rand Road

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Aaron Schmidt Obituary

Schmidt, Aaron M. Passed away early Sunday morning at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, after an all too brief struggle with an aggressive cancer. He was born in 1934 and enjoyed 77 years of health and prosperity. Aaron was born and raised on the west side of Chicago, to the late Ann and Philip Schmidt. His brother Ansel, unfortunately also succumbed to cancer several years ago. Aaron is survived by his loving wife, Judy, and three Children, Philip (Nancy), Robert (Natasha) and David (Jody), as well as 5 grandchildren, Alison, Andrew, Adena, Noa and Harrison. His sixth grandchild, who will be named after him, is due to be born imminently. Judy and Aaron's love affair lasted 59 years. They met at North Avenue beach and went on to build a storybook life together. After graduating from Roosevelt University, Aaron served in the army during the Korean war, but was the only man in his unit posted stateside where he worked in the chaplain core. After graduating, during a post war recessionary period, he went to work for his once employer and eventual lifelong friend, Eli Field, founder of Field Container, where he soon became the top salesman. For a brief period of time he went on to work for Stone Container where again he was top salesman and in 1966 went on to found The Packaging House, Inc., now TPH Global Services, which still is thriving under the leadership of his sons Philip and David today. In a conversation with Thomas Friedman, of the New York Times, Aaron was re ferred to as the "original outsourcer," as his company represented a paradigm shift in industry as a creative sales service company, which fit the job to the manufacturer. Though he grew up as the son of an immigrant tailor, Aaron's company at one point became became his former employer, Field Container's largest customer. TPH Global Solutions now designs and purchases packaging and point of purchase displays worldwide. Though he maintained a residence in Chicago his entire life, Aaron semi-retired in 2001 to Key Largo, Florida, where after 911 he joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was active in this capacity through this spring. Aaron believed in Charity as a way of life. He donated, always anonymously, to a plethora of his favorite charities every year and truly believed that "if it doesn't hurt a little bit, then you are not donating enough." He was also a tireless fundraiser. He raised money for too many causes to mention here, though some of significance include the Ocean Reef Medical Center in Key Largo, Florida, where he was a Founder and also sat on the board; also in less than 30 days during a tired economy, he raised over $350,000 to fund a new state of the art coast guard vessel. As was his way, on the day the boat was christened, he stood in the back row of his unit, and asked that his name not be mentioned during the ceremony. However, as his life can serve as an example to others, his children asked that this story be told here. After the fall of the Berlin wall, when Jim Thompson was Governor of the State of Illinois, he served on an economic development commission where he helped promote and teach Eastern European business how to do business in Illinois and the United States. He also was a member of the Illinois Guardian and Advocacy Committee. Aaron Schmidt never met a stranger and he made time for everyone he met. He would invite friends and family and those in need to come use his office as a home base when they were job seeking. He reviewed their resumes, dispensed advice and made all his office resources available to them. He did this for over 45 years and helped too many people to recollect. Indeed, though stricken with cancer, there was a resume on his desk this morning belonging to the last person he would ever help in this capacity. The funeral for Aaron M. Schmidt will be held at Congregation Am Yisrael, at 4 Happ Road, in Northfield, Illinois, today, Monday, July 25th at 2 pm. Interment at Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his honor be made to Congregation Am Yisrael, in Northfield, or to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago. Aaron was a unique individual who selflessly served and touched people of all walks of life. For funeral information please call Shalom Memorial Funeral Home at (847) 255-3520 of at www.shalom2.com

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Schmidt

32 Entries

Ron and Andrea Sandler

July 19, 2021

Dear Schmidt Family,
We still miss Aaron and he was our BEST next door neighbor ever. He would be kvelling over all the additions to your family!!!

Wanda Kierski

December 19, 2011

It is with great sadness that I just learned of Mr. Schmidt's passing. I am a former employee of the Club that he belonged to in Key Largo and he always greeted one and all (staff) with a smile, always remembered our names, dispensed sage advice, shared his sense of humour and most importantly always thanked us for our efforts not just on his behalf but all of the members. He was a true gentleman. To his family, my condolences and thank you for sharing him with us all of those years.

August 16, 2011

So sorry for your loss. Though I never knew Mr. Schmidt, I am inspired by his generosity and open heart and truly impressed at the business he founded. We are proud to have his legacy, TPH, as a member of the Sauganash business community. Jennifer Herren Gatesman

August 1, 2011

To all of you whom Aaron loved -
That sunny smile....that warm and loving human who made each of us feel we were really a bit more special to him, we will walk taller and do more mitzvahs because you showed us how easy it was to do it. With warmest thoughts, Ro Lebedow

Glenn Eisen

July 30, 2011

Aaron was a real mensch.

I worked for him at the at the Packaging House for several years and was probably his worst salesman, but he never gave up on me nor failed to support me and put up with my crazy ways of doing things.

He taught me how be an entrepeneaur. He demonstrated to all who knew him why giving exceeded taking in all respects. He called his employees associates long before Wal-Mart did, and I think he believed we were members of his family and he treated us as such.

He had a great sense of humor and kept both cool and in control under most circumstances.

Most of all he loved. He loved his wife, his sons, his friends, his heritage, his country, his associates, and his place in life.

We all loved him in return.

July 29, 2011

Judy
Aaron was always a kind and generous friend. Thank you for sharing him.
Malcolm Barlow

Amanda & Neal Prample

July 28, 2011

So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you both and your family... x

LuAnn Lowen

July 27, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Fred Wittenmeier

July 27, 2011

Phil,

I am sorry to learn about your father's passing. He was always kind and gracious to me. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.

Sincerely

Rich Zelvin

July 26, 2011

Dear Phil and family,

I am sorry to learn about your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My sincere condolences.
Rich Zelvin

Hank Schreiner

July 26, 2011

During my time with The Packaging House, my encounters with Aaron (he didn't like the fomality of being called Mr. Schmidt) were always pleasant and positive. There was always a lesson or advice, regardless of how long or short the conversation might be. You always felt better about yourself after talking with him. He is truly a unique person. May he rest peacefully at his Lord's side.

Beryl Schnierow-Greenberg

July 26, 2011

I remember Aaron fondly as a kind and generous man. I worked for a summer during college for The Packaging House 30+ years ago and still reflect on all that I learned there.

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Shalom,

Bobbi Vinton

July 26, 2011

Dearest Judy and family
He will be forever missed. Judy will be in our thoughts everyday. You both had the best.

Bobbi Lipsich Vinton
Jim Vinton
Maurice Lipsich
Marilyn Lipsich

Allen & Fran Krowe

July 26, 2011

The goodness of the man radiates in his family and shines brightly in the grandchildren,

Jerry Alport

July 25, 2011

He touched the lives of many...the hearts of all who knew him. His smile and his spirit will always remain a treasured memory and inspiration.
I feel for your loss

Allison Crow Flanigin

July 25, 2011

Lovely notes on Poppa! I never knew him...except through Robert...and to see the smile on his face when he spoke of him....let's me know what a blessing this man was. Love, light, comfort and peace to your family.
Allison Crow Flanigin

Jeff Hopmayer

July 25, 2011

I am very sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and the family.

Rhonda Perry-Johns

July 25, 2011

What an honor to have known such a great man, may he rest in peace

Adriana Meneses

July 25, 2011

To all the Schmidts: Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. With most sincere condolences. Adriana Meneses

Jessica Goodison

July 25, 2011

He always made me smile, and laugh..every time I saw him! I will miss him! My thoughts and prayers to his family. We will all miss seeing him at The Medical Center.

July 25, 2011

To all the Schmidts--my deepest sympathy. Aaron's friendship enriched all who knew him. Gertrude Mann

Jacki Oliva

July 25, 2011

What a special man! Words cannot describe this beautiful man and we have all been blessed and better off for having him touched our lives. I will remember every word of advice, every joke, and cherish the sound of his laugh forever. He will be sorely missed. I loved him very much. My deepest sympathy to his family and my heart and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Farewell Aaron.. I Love you.

July 25, 2011

I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Love, Carrie

Andrea Sandler

July 25, 2011

We have such fond memories of our history and friendship with the entire family.
Living next-door to the Schmidts enriched our lives. Ron and I have so many stories that will live on forever. You loved life and we loved you.
Count on us to be there for Judy.

Andrea and Ron Sandler

Dale Schuble

July 25, 2011

Aaron was so full of life that his enthusiasm was contagious. He will me missed by me and all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
He was a role model and Judy, his sons and grandchildren were lucky to have had him in their lives.

July 25, 2011

Dear Phil, Nancy, Andrew, and Alison,
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father and grandfather. We wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts.
We hope that you are surrounded by friends and family that can comfort you during this time of sadness. Our sincere condolences.
Suzanne, Ale, and Pablo Pesa

Melinda Desoto

July 25, 2011

My heart was broken when I heard the news. Mr. Schmidt was one of the nicest members here at the Reef. From the first day I meet him he made me feel like thou I was someone important. He was always offering to help out any way possible being on a personal level or business. He made me realize just how important family is. I cant remember a single time of talking to him where he didn't talk about his mom and dad or his boys and his wife, they really meant the world to him and he made me see that with my own family.
Aaron you will sorely be missed. RIP my friend RIP.

Betty Nudelman

July 25, 2011

Dear Judy, Our sympathies and thoughts go out to you and your family at this sad time. We have some wonderful memories of us all sailing on our adventures. Much love,
Betty & Herb Nudelman

July 25, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers for all the family. We will miss a very special man.
Gerry Hagopian and Don Nasgowitz

Melinda Desoto

July 25, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Aaron's entire family. I will miss him more than words can express. Kristan Seyfarth Kelly

July 25, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Aaron was very special and caring.
Harriet and Gary Mann

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results