Obituary of Gary A. Schmidt
Gary A. Schmidt, age 56, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack, due to complications from myelofibrosis. Born and raised in West Islip, NY, Gary graduated from Hofstra University where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then attended Western New England College in Springfield, MA, where he met his future wife Stephanie and received his law degree. After law school they lived in Hoboken, then moved to North Andover, MA and back to Hoboken, where their daughter Olivia was born in 2004. They moved to Warren in 2014.
Gary was employed by Aspen Insurance in New York City as a Vice President in Claims. Prior, he worked for Zurich Insurance.
In high school and college Gary was a gifted tennis player and he remained an avid tennis fan and a fierce competitor, both on and off the court. Tennis was a lifelong passion through which he formed some of his most cherished friendships. Throughout his life Gary enjoyed hearty debates with family, friends and colleagues about politics, movies and work. He was unabashed in his equal appreciation of the base obscenity of The Family Guy and the literary prose of Jane Austen. He was an excellent cook and appreciated good food and wine, especially the fresh produce from a local farmstand. He loved everything outdoors— hiking, biking and golfing, but his favorite pastime was traveling with his daughter Olivia.
He was known for his quick wit, his big personality, and his heart of gold. He loved and laughed so freely. He was a rock to so many and will be forever missed.
Survived by his loving wife of 21 years Stephanie Lebowitz; his beloved daughter Olivia Schmidt; his loyal companion Phoebe; his father George Schmidt; his brother Robert Schmidt and his wife Gina Giuliano.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m.
Donations in his name can be made to: Be The Match bethematch.org
