Frank Schildgen, Orthopedic Surgeon and Humanitarian, Dies at 75

Francis (Frank) Henry Schildgen, M.D., known for his skill as an orthopedic surgeon and for being a true humanitarian, passed away at home in Litchfield, Connecticut, at the age of 75 on August 18, 2022, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Schildgen had an orthopedic surgery practice in Torrington, Connecticut, for 37 years. After retiring, he ran the Charlote Hungerford Hospital Orthopedic Clinic. He believed that everyone deserved to get the medical care they needed regardless of the cost, and never turned away a patient who was unable to pay for treatment. He will also be remembered for his gracious bedside manner.

Schildgen also loved to give back to the community in other ways. He served as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission of Litchfield and taught firearms safety through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Schildgen was born on November 8, 1946, to the late Francis and Sarah Schildgen. He attended Naugatuck public schools and then received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

After graduation, he earned his medical degree at the New Jersey College of Medicine and then went on to complete a residency in orthopedic surgery through Boston University.

All through his life, he had a deep love for the outdoors. He taught fly fishing at White Memorial and Trout Unlimited and was an expert skier. He served as a volunteer ski patroller at Mohawk Mountain for several years.

He enjoyed hunting and gardening. He loved to take his three children hiking and share his knowledge about tree and flower identification.

“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,” his family wrote.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Sharon Schildgen and their three children.