LITCHFIELD – Francis (Frank) Henry Schildgen, M.D.., age 75 of Litchfield, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 18, 2022, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was the beloved husband of Sharon (Swan) Schildgen for 46 years.
Born on Nov. 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Francis Schildgen and Sarah (O’Brien) Schildgen. Frank graduated from Naugatuck public schools and from UConn for his undergraduate degree. He went on to medical school at New Jersey College of Medicine and completed his residency through Boston University in orthopedic surgery.
In 1977 Frank opened his medical office in Torrington and practiced there for 37 years as an orthopedic surgeon. He never turned away a patient who was unable to pay for medical services and was known for his gracious bedside manner.
Upon retirement, he ran the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Orthopedic Clinic. He also volunteered in the community in a variety of ways throughout his life. He served as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission of Litchfield and taught firearms safety as an instructor for the DEEP.
He delighted in sharing his knowledge and skill in fishing by teaching fly fishing at White Memorial and Trout Unlimited. He was also an expert skier who used his medical background as a volunteer ski patroller at Mohawk Mountain for several years.
In addition, Frank had a deep love for hunting and gardening. He was an avid outdoorsman and passed down his joy, passion and knowledge about nature to his three children, particularly regarding tree and flower identification while hiking.
His intelligence and wit led to many deep and lively dinner conversations, for which he was well known. Frank’s legacy will always be remembered tangibly through the intricate stone walls that he built himself that weave throughout his property.
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