Obituary
Joseph Robert Schmidt, 91, of Leesburg, Florida, peacefully left this world at home, Sunday January 12, 2025. “Joe,” one of five children, was born June 6, 1933 to the late Joseph and Margaret (Truchon) Schmidt in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Leesburg for 23 years, as well as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
After being raised in Miami, Florida, he entered the U.S. Army in 1953, training for the Chemical Corps. While stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, he met a beautiful and smart WAC named Carol. Returning to Miami, they were united in marriage on August 17, 1957, and remained so until Carol’s passing in 2018. After the army, Joe worked briefly for Eastern Airlines before following in his father and oldest brother’s footsteps by becoming an electrician. His exemplary work ethic and determination eventually led him to achieve his master’s degree in the field. Some projects he worked on during his career included: Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami Beach Convention Center, lighting for Miami Orange Bowl games and even solely wiring his entire new construction home in 1971. He was eventually honored for being a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 55 years.
What set Joe apart from many others was his quite strength and dependability. His stamina to never give up on completing a job until it was done to his standard of perfection, was a quality admired by those who knew him. Most important, was his devout faith and trust in God which guided him throughout his life. All who loved him, especially his children, will greatly miss his presence here on earth. We are at peace knowing we will be united again.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Carol, and brothers Frank and Donald. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Deborah (Richard); son Michael (Candice); son David (Kimberly); grandson Joseph (Samantha); granddaughters Courtney, Jenna, Josephine and Rosalie; great-granddaughters Joselyn, Perry and Kendall; sisters Margaret Schmidt and Marlene Taylor; sister-in-law Jane Anderson; brother-in-law James Roy; numerous nieces and nephews; and many more loved ones and friends not mentioned.
Interment (alongside his wife Carol) will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida on February 12, 2025, where military honors will be rendered.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation, in Joe’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Paul’s Catholic Church Leesburg, Florida.
He will be greatly missed .