Former Daily News veteran Jerry Schmetterer, the author of several books and long-time spokesman for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, died Monday after a battle with cancer, his family said. He was 77.
The Bronx-born Schmetterer worked for 23 years as a reporter, bureau chief and metropolitan editor for The News, reporting on major stories including the French Connection case, the Son of Sam murders, the assassination of John Lennon by a deranged fan and the 1993 terror attack on the World Trade Center.
He also spent a dozen years as director of public information at the Brooklyn DA’s office, working under prosecutor Charles J. Hynes from 2001-2013. He passed away at his Manhattan home with wife Emily and son David at his side.
Schmetterer’s books included “The Coffey Files: One Cop’s War Against the Mob,” a collaboration with legendary NYPD Detective Joe Coffey, and “Crooked Brooklyn: Taking Down Corrupt Judges, Dirty Politicians, Killers and Body Snatchers,” with borough prosecutor Michael Vecchione.
He was also a past president and longtime member of the New York Press Club.
“Jerry was a journalist, author and former spokesman for the Brooklyn DA’s office,” the press club said via Twitter. “He was a good man who knew how to tell a good story. Our condolences to Jerry’s family.”
During his long career, Schmetterer also worked at a managing editor at CNN and WPIX-TV, served briefly as city editor at the New York Post and worked as managing editor for the television show Extra. The Army veteran and graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School started with The News as a copy boy.
“He was a great friend,” said veteran New York public relations guru Morty Matz. “And a great journalist. And a great loss to his family and friends. He will be missed.”
The family said Schmetterer, a die-hard Mets fan, was cremated wearing a jacket and T-shirt from his favorite team. Plans for an upcoming memorial service were in the works, the family said.
He was survived by spouse Emily; his younger brother Bernie; son David, wife Nina and grandsons Isaac and Austen; and stepson Charles Alaimo, wife Christel and grandson Carston.
