Joseph Frederick Schmidt

ALBANY - Joseph Frederick Schmidt, 99, affectionately known as "Smiling Joey" and "The Old War Horse," died peacefully on June 2, 2012, just ten days before his 100th birthday. He joins his beloved wife of 55 years, Theresa Margaret Svetlik in heaven. Joe was born on June 12, 1912 to Elsie and Christian Schmidt in Albany, NY where he resided his entire life.
Joe was employed by the N. Y. Central Railroad, the Watervliet Arsenal, and Blanchard Industrial Supplies where he worked for 58 years as a salesman, retiring at the age of 90. Throughout his life, Joe's faith in God sustained him in good times and bad. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Angels Church in Albany where he served as usher and member of the Pastoral Council. After its closing, Joe found a new home at the Church of St. Pius X. Joe was also a member of the Colonie Elks BPOE #1492 for over 30 years and an Honorary Member of the West Albany #2 Fire Dept.
Joe was an avid fisherman, a die-hard NY Yankee and Giants Fan, but the main joy of his life was his love for the game of bowling. His major bowling accomplishments include: appointment as the director of the Junior Program at Latham Bowl, where he was founder and first president of the Capital District Junior Traveling League. He was named bowler of the Half Century by the Albany Bowling Assn.; elected charter member of the PBA; and elected to the Albany, and New York State Bowling Halls of Fame as well as the Troy Bowling Hall of Fame for "Service to Youth." In 1966, Joe won the Eastern United States Doubles Championship with partner Larry Cassera. He qualified for ten appearances on TV Tournament Time and received many more awards, trophies, and honors throughout his 66 year career as a bowler.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, wife and two brothers – Richard and James. Within the past year, his two great family friends Harry Svetlik and Frank Naglitsch, both also in their 90's, predeceased him. The three pals were fondly dubbed by the family as The Golden Oldies or the Three Musketeers. Joe is survived by his loving family. He was the proud father of Joseph (Fran), Jack (Dore`), and Mary Lane (Fred). He was a loving and devoted grandfather of Joseph (Kristen), Michael (Donna), Lori, John (Yolanda), Alaina DeWitt (Carl), and Brian (fianceé Carlie) and 8 precious great-grandsons Michael Jack, Joey, Ryan, Jakob, Thomas, Reed, Christopher and Luke.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Father Michael Farano and the Pastoral Care Ministry of St. Pius X Church for their support over the years. Special thanks go out to Dr. Dennis Chagnon and all the other physicians who improved the quality of Joe's life as well as the staff at Our Lady Mercy Life Center who cared for him in his last days. Finally, the family would like to recognize and thank the many friends who have made Joe's life a joy.
Relatives and friends are invited to St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.
Joe had a great love of animals. Anyone wishing to donate in memory of Joe may do so to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.