Stanley Robert Schmidt

Steve Robert Schmidt (AKA Stanley), 98, San Francisco, CA. passed away on Sunday December 15, 2024. Born on January 27, 1926 to Martin Conrad Schmidt and Evelyn Marie Anderson, Steve grew up in the Bronx where he excelled in academics proficiently enough that he graduated high school at the age of 15, afterward working as a bank teller and other odd jobs at the start of World War 2.

Upon reaching the age of 18, he joined in the fight like so many others of the "Greatest Generation" entering the Navy and "shipping out" in January of 1945 as a RM/3C aboard the attack transport USS Oneida (APA-221) briefly chronicled in Bill O'Reilly's book "Killing the Rising Sun", O'Reilly's father serving as one of Steve's communications officers. Operating and participating in some of the Pacific theaters most notable battles, Steve witnessed the ferocity and determination of the Japanese military machine, culminating in numerous Kamikaze attacks against his main Battle Group, Task Force 58, off the coast of Okinawa as the Oneida delivered elements of the 10th Army to the island.

After the War, Steve attended and graduated the University of Miami, during which he became a member in good standing of the fraternal order of Sigma Phi Epsilon, proceeding to live his life by their written creed. After college, Steve returned to the west coast settling in San Francisco, California, the origin of his Pacific War service earlier.

A passion and appreciation for the arts all his life, Steve was fortunate enough to build on a small real estate investment, collecting local works of art and supporting efforts of the various Bay Area artists, as well as items abroad. Some of note were items by Villegle, Voulkos, Helnwein, Picasso, and several works from a favorite, Mel Ramos, and personal friend for a time.

Steve lived his life his way right to the very end. Predeceased by his beloved sister Dorothy and brother Kenneth, he will be remembered as a generous man and loving brother and uncle to Dorothy, Ken, their children, extended family, and dear friends throughout his life.

Arrangements to be private.