OXFORD – Raymond J. Schmidt, 83, formerly of Oxford, NY, peacefully passed away in his current home in North Port, FL on May 18, 2013. Ray was born on September 19, 1929 in College Point, NY where he grew up the youngest of nine siblings, all of whom predeceased him.
On April 24, 1951, Ray married Theresa F. Laljer, who predeceased him on February 24, 1999. Ray is survived by their six children; Lynne and Bill Roys, Kathy and Mike Eldred, Rick and Linda Schmidt, Bruce and Paula Schmidt, Denise and David Cluff, and Vincent and Lynda Schmidt, along with fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In 1951, Ray joined the U.S. Army and served in Port Townsend, WA. Ray returned to College Point, NY in 1953 where he worked for Silvercup Bread Company in Bronx, NY. Ray moved his family to Oxford, NY in 1962 to partner with his father-in-law in his ESSO service station. He and Terry raised their family with love and understanding and he became a prominent business owner. Ray was very community-minded and an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oxford Lion’s Club and American Legion Post 376. In 1985 he went to work for the NYS Veteran’s Home in Oxford and retired from there in 1995. Ray and Terry then bought a home in Florida.
On July 22, 2000, Ray married Patricia Brown and they enjoyed their retirement years in North Port, FL, staying involved with many activities and events in their community of friends. He and Pat also continued his membership in the International Lions Club there.
Funeral services will be scheduled at the family’s convenience which will be announced.