J. Daniel Schmidt

As the middle child of seven, Dan grew up in Sayler Park, Ohio. He attended St. Aloysius elementary school and St. Xavier high school. He received a BS in Business in 1969 from the University of Dayton and returned to Cincinnati where he worked for his family’s business, handling insurance and real estate matters. Relocating to Charlottesville, VA in 1982, Dan found his truest calling as a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch. It would be difficult to express how much he loved his clients and thrived in this career. But, he sure tried to show it. He started at the Merrill office in Richmond, until he and a few others opened the Charlottesville branch downtown. In 2000, he and the son-he-was-supposed-to-have, Michael Kaminski, and their heart-and-soul, Corlis Douglas, formed a partnership that ultimately added Jorgen Vik and became the SKV Group.

Taking Sandy on a first date to a college football game, and a concert for their second, Dan ensured a lifelong love of sports and music would be shared. A rabid sports fan, Dan cheered on the ‘Hoos all around the country. His favorite sports were basketball and lacrosse, but he regularly supported and attended several others. Music brightened every aspect of his life, and seeing his favorite musicians in concert was a passion. With a golf club in hand and a four-letter-word at the ready, he toured the fairways, and roughs, of a lot of courses. Later, he and Sandy focused on seeing the world. Five continents, a dozen islands, and so many miles of snorkeling later, they made a good dent in their hit list.

Those who were graced by his larger-than-life personality saw Dan’s genuine greatness. He had a smile and “hello” ready for everyone he would meet. Dan’s wit and compassion were legendary. And his entertaining tales were always rooted in some crazy truth. While no saint, he led with his heart and worked hard to do right by others. Always.

Given a rough path, with extensive medical issues, for the past almost-eight years, gratitude is in abundance for a well-worn and outstanding care team. Impossible to include everyone, some highlights are Earl Pendleton CNA, Denise Lynch RN (VCU), Becky Swartz RN (Continuum), and Dr. Daniel Becker (UVA), as well as Dr. Harold Young (VCU), Dr. Daniele Rigamonti (Hopkins), the Nursing staff of VCU Hospital Main 9 East, Steve Rasmussen RN (VCU), Kelly Heffron RN (Hopkins), Dr. Vikram Brar (VCU), Dr. Harinder Dhindsa (VCU), Dr. Michael Stevens/Infectious Disease team (VCU), therapists like Susan Sexton, Katy Lovell, and Lee Baker, and extraordinary caregivers including Dianna, Shanice, Maya, Martine, Candy, Marquetta, Claire, and Tiki. Without them, and so many others, this bumpy journey would have been truly insufferable.

Dan always prided himself on his friends – who came from every corner of his life and stayed throughout time. Dan and his family were incredibly fortunate to have this last stretch of road smoothed out by a host of amazing friends. They brightened our darkest days with incredible love and support. Their time and energy and exceptional kindness were out of this world. We cannot even begin to imagine these wacky years without them. We hope we have properly conveyed our deepest thanks, so they know who they are.

Dan leaves behind “the best decision he ever made,” his wife of 49 years, Sandy, his “one was enough” daughter, Jessica, and a nutty dog, Bhandu, who brought him much joy.

Preceded by his parents, Elizabeth (née Buerger) and Wilfred Schmidt, he is also survived by brother Jerry (Claire), brother Tom (Jeanne), sister Sue (Mickey), brother Dick (Cindi), sister Mary Kay (Alan) and brother Jim (Julie). As you would imagine, a longer line of beloved nieces and nephews follow. Although, Dan would have been quick to tell you that he alone was “the good looking Schmidt.”

To honor Dan’s own remarkable generosity, donations may be made in Dan’s name to Caring for Creatures, 352 Sanctuary Lane, Palmyra, VA 22963 – or – The Denise Lynch Endowment, MCV Foundation, P.O. Box 980243, Richmond, VA 23298.

No funeral or visitation is planned. A memorial celebrating Dan’s grand goofy glory will be held at a later time.