Obituary of Richard E Schmidt

Richard E. Schmidt, age 75, passed away on July 25, 2017 in Ithaca, NY. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 5,1941 to parents Richard and Lorraine Schmidt. He grew up in East Orange and West Caldwell, NJ and graduated from James Caldwell High School. He graduated from Springfield College and attended the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. He worked in the insurance business for CNA, Robert J. Hanifan Inc., John Hancock and Unigard among others. He also was a widely respected private insurance consultant and worked in that capacity with the Independent Insurance Agents of America.

Rick enjoyed opera, bluegrass, fine cuisine, Formula 1 auto racing and traveling. He was fluent in German, Spanish and French. He was musically gifted and sang and played the guitar, banjo and piano. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him for his remarkable sense of humor and for his fun-loving spirit.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Lorraine Schmidt of Fayetteville and by his brother, Stephen Schmidt. He is survived by his daughters Christine Zdunczak (Rob) and Joanne Tarbath (Jay), his grandchildren, Anna Zdunczak, Kate Zdunczak, Noah Tarbath, his siblings, Elizabeth Soffer (Walter), Karin Mabe (Paul), Timothy Schmidt (Georgette) Laura Nichols (Paul) and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service, followed by a reception, will be held on August 26, 2017 at 2:00 at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 East Fayette St., Syracuse, NY 13202