John R. Schmidt

Age 93, peacefully passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, March 26, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital. John, a lifelong resident of Elmira, NY, was the son of James A. and Elizabeth M. Ryniker Schmidt. He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Mary A. Titus Schmidt on March 18, 2020; sister Doris (Jim) McGann, brother-in-law Howard "Dutch" Bennett; brothers James (Jean) Schmidt and Thomas (Joan) Schmidt; great-grandson Sean E. Marshall; and best friend Bobby Lagonegro. John is survived by his children, Kathleen (Paul) Hansen of CA, Mary Lou (Charlie) Adams of TX, Martin, Margaret (Edward) Greatsinger, Daniel (Colleen) all of Elmira, Joseph (Marcie) of FL, John (Eliza) of ID, Teresa (David) Schmidt-Wiggs of WA, Michael (Jennifer McCallum) of Endicott, David (Martine Barnaby) of Vestal and Steven of WA, 20 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends acquired over a lifetime of work and fun, including dear friends Maggie Lagonegro and Joyce and Tom Savino. John was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick's Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who instilled in each of his children a strong work ethic rooted in integrity, fairness and respect. He modeled his values of hard work and dedication to family and faith in his daily life. John was proud to be a United States Marine and to serve his country with the 1st Division China Marines. He was a member of the E.J. Brewer Detachment, Marine Corps League and a former member of the Detachment's Honor Guard. John was the proprietor of Schmidt Brothers Market on Main St. in Elmira and Schmidt Brothers Meats in Elmira Heights. He was known from coast to coast for making the best Italian, Polish, and breakfast sausage. Admired by all, John loved Dixieland Jazz, dancing, a good Delmonico steak, family car rides with the radio playing a Detroit Tigers game, Ray Conniff or the Brothers Four. John and Mary's College Avenue home was a second home to countless friends of their children and filled with the love and laughter of extended family and lifelong friends. He loved to entertain with summer block parties, New Year's Eve parties, get togethers by the pool, to dance and sing with the Polka Gliders and White Eagle Singers. John and Mary enjoyed their retirement years, spending time with family, traveling and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and St. Patrick's Parish. Services for John will be private. A celebration of John and Mary's life will be held at a future date. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the 5th Floor Staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for the loving care they provided John. In lieu of flowers or donations, please honor John's memory with an act of kindness. Reunited with Mary, we know he will always be "Terrible good!" Semper fi, Dad.