Obituary of Raymond C. Schmidt, Jr.

Raymond C. Schmidt, Jr., age 95, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Ray was born on August 14, 1917 in Plainfield, NJ, son of the late Helen and Raymond C. Schmidt, Sr. He is predeceased by his brother, Donald D. Schmidt. Ray is survived by his sister-in-law and caregiver, Janice (Haskard) Schmidt of Plainfield, NJ, two nieces, two nephews and several grandnieces and nephews. Ray was a World War II Veteran and saw combat action in the Philippines, as a paratrooper. He achieved the rank of Sgt. Major with the 511 Parachute Infantry in the South Pacific. He went on to work for 42 years with Brown Brothers Harriman in New York City in the credit department and retired in 1988 at the age of 71. Ray lived his Catholic faith and served the Church for more than eight decades as alter server, lector and usher. He was fortunate enough to meet Mother Theresa of Calcutta when she visited St. Mary's Church in Plainfield. Ray was an avid sports fan and followed Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the NY Yankees, NY Giants and NY Rangers. In his later years, he wrote a weekly sports column for the residents of the Cranford Extended Care Facility where he lived. He had a smile and a kind and encouraging word for everyone he met and his family wishes to extend its gratitude to his many friends that came to visit him and for the caring staff of Cranford Extended Care Facility and, in particular, Linda McKenna. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West 8th Street, Plainfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Plainfield. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation is on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray's name to St. Mary's RC Church, 516 West 6th Street, Plainfield, NJ 07060.