John G. Schmidt

John was born on November 15, 1928 in Fords, NJ to the late John and Marion Schmidt. He is preceded in death by his wife, Emilie McCoy Schmidt as well as all of his siblings, Marion Gural, Vincent Schmidt, Robert Schmidt, and Veronica Peterson.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Fords, NJ, he worked as a butcher before enlisting in the Marines. His military service spanned World War II and the Korean War. Upon reentry to civilian life he owned and operated a grocery store in Union Beach, NJ with his brother Vince. In 1954 he met and married the love of his life, Emilie McCoy settling in Keyport, NJ to raise their family. They were married for nearly sixty years before her passing in 2013.

After starting a family John joined, worked for, and retired from Jersey Central Power and Light as a relay technician. Upon retirement he and Emilie moved to Cary, NC.

He loved camping with his family. He traveled across the US with his wife Emilie in their RV to visit their children, siblings and to enjoy the National Parks. Outdoor activities were his passion with his legendary love of fishing and skiing topping the list. He remained active all year round with hunting, hiking, and ice skating, gardening, and bird watching. He loved listening to music and dancing, especially square dancing, the polka, and the waltz. Solving puzzles of all kinds (jigsaw, crossword, rebus, and suduko) kept his mind active. He retained his sense of humor delivering puns and punchlines that brought smiles to everyone he encountered.

Giving back to the community animated his life. He and Emilie volunteered delivering food to the elderly. John applied his expertise in the grocery business by devoting time every week to the Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry. Through the AARP Foundation he obtained certification as a Tax Aide to provide free tax assistance and preparation services in the community every tax season.

He is lovingly remembered by his children and their families, Emilie Schmidt (Clark Nelson) of Cary, NC, John Schmidt, Jr of Dayton, Ohio, Paul Schmidt (Suzanne) of Cary, NC, and Anne Hughes (Douglas) of Somerville MA. He will be missed by his 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Cary and at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Fayetteville who took great care of him in his final days.

Friends are invited to share their memories with the family on February 6, 2024 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Apex Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Saint Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.

Family asks that, rather than flowers, in honor of John’s dedication to those less fortunate that you donate to your local food pantry or hospice organization.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Schmidt family.