In Memoriam: Henry J. Shotmeyer, Sr.

	(L to R) Charles Shotmeyer ’00P, ’05P, with father, Henry Shotmeyer ’00GP, ’05GP, and Kirk Colton ’76G, ’02P, director, Lehigh Parent’s Committee.

Henry J. Shotmeyer, Sr., chairman of the Lehigh Grandparents’ Committee, passed away on Thursday, February 10. He was 100 years old.
Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Henry came to the United States in 1925. Henry was president and CEO of Shotmeyer Brothers in Hawthorne, N.J., which in 1994 was honored by Mobil Oil as the oldest and largest distributor in the United States.
Shotmeyer became chairman of the Lehigh Grandparents’ Committee in 1996 when his grandson, Tim ’00, came to Lehigh. His pride and enthusiasm for Lehigh was exhibited in many ways and increased even more when his granddaughter, Amy ’05, came to Lehigh. The Shotmeyers have been very involved and supportive of Lehigh and have established the Shotmeyer Family Scholarship Fund to enable talented and deserving students to receive a Lehigh education. Son Charles Shotmeyer ’00P, ’05P is currently chairman of Lehigh’s Parents’ Committee
Shotmeyer, a resident of Franklin Lakes, N.J., was also chairman emeritus of the foundation of the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff, N.J. and a life-long advocate for the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a benefactor to Valley Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Cancer Research & Treatment Fund, Inc. In 2000, he was honored by Stevens Institute of Technology with the Charles Schaefer Entrepreneur Award. Henry was also a member of Silenta Lodge No. 168.
Preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, and son Henry Jr., Henry is survived by his brother Albert, son Charles, and daughters-in-law Sandy and Marsha. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“Henry was a wonderful gentleman, and he will be missed very much.” says R. Kirkwood Colton, director of the Parents’ Committee. “His kindness and generosity to Lehigh, particularly through his establishment of the Shotmeyer Family Scholarship, created a legacy that will continue to benefit future students. For that, and for his commitment and enthusiasm, we are forever grateful.”
The Parents’ and Grandparent’s Fund, led by the Parents' and Grandparents’ Committees, are integral to the Lehigh Fund and its role in “Shine Forever: The Campaign for Lehigh.” More than 90 families are members and serve as liaisons between parents and the university as well as provide important relationships between Lehigh and their respective companies and corporations. Members also provide valuable support to enhance the total educational programs such as academic initiatives, tutorial assistance, library acquisitions and much more.