Obituary of Walter George Schmidt

Walter George Schmidt- West Charlton Born August 17, 1935 to Walter Frank Schmidt and CoraBelle (Paige) Schmidt, Walt/ Sonny/ Dad/ Uncle/ Grandpa, left to join dearly loved friends, relatives, and his favorite aussie shepherd “Mollie” on January 23, 2023 at the age of 87. He would say 86, but that’s a long story. He left peacefully from the home he built on Balnakill Farm in West Charlton, NY surrounded by the love of his family and close friends. His wife, Mary Agnes Schmidt, of over 40 years was his best friend. “Maggie“ was so loved by Walt and he adored her until his last breath, “I love her because she's a farmer” is what he would say. Together they made a life, full of sharing, giving, laughter, hard-work, opinionated banter, home-grown everything… each day of their lives. From his decades to his last days he was occupied by projects, adventures and love with family, neighbors and friends. His family and friends were able to say goodbye during the last few months at his home. His favorite comment was “I’ve lived a wonderful life.” His living descendants are many, including children: Eric Frank Schmidt (wife Jody) of Hilton Head, SC, Walter Richard Schmidt (wife Maryann) of Galway, NY, David Michael Schmidt (husband Ronald), of Voorheesville, NY, Heather Newton Hollis (husband Ariel) of Ardmore, PA, and Rebecca Anne Haydock (husband John), of Charlottesville, Virginia, his grandchildren; Sarah, B.J., Becky, Mason, Madeline, Josephine, Drake, Genevieve (Gena), Cove, Maria, J.J. and Genevieve (Jenny); 9 beautiful, fun great-grandchildren and he had a special bond with his niece, Susan Lynn Cole and her husband Neal. He is preceded in death by his loving sisters Elizabeth “Bette” Toth, Ruth “Ruthy” Huszar, Mary Dergosits and his Uncle Dick and Aunt Margaret Paige. He leaves behind brothers Louis and Richard Schmidt, and sister Alice Fuller, as well as many terrific nieces, nephews and cousins. Walt had stories to make us all laugh and cry and he was always the problem solver. He dodged death numerous times, more than once involving tractors (thank you Galway Ambulance Corp and West Charlton Fire Dept.),scaffolding crashes, dicey equipment issues, and the local mafia. He was a paratrooper in the army and chased the bad guys up and down U.S. Rt 1. He was the go to guy for complicated construction issues. He raised buildings, vegetables, animals as well as his 5 successful children, giving testament to the kind of man he was. The love of the earth was a constant theme in Walt's Life as well as the desire to see his children and all those kids who entered his life at one point or another grow. He was a member of the West Charlton Fire Department for a bit and also was inducted as a Freemason. He began as a laborer and meat cutter, quickly moving to master mason and joined the Brick and Stone Mason Union. Soon after he found himself as a partner in Reimherr & Schmidt Construction which he eventually took over and then shared with his son Walter. He did this while running a functioning farm with his children and neighbors, creating a community that fostered close relationships, friends and partners. His connections, wisdom and love were huge, leaving each of us with an empty space to fill. We will survive his loss knowing he is playing pinochle in heaven (not cheating of course), probably giving St. Peter some advice on how to keep the gates working properly and pointing up the stone. This obituary was written by his children, each of us strong, happy and forever grateful for his constant love and devotion to us and our problems, for which he always had a solution. Until his last breaths he told us how much he loved us and how special we are. We know he won’t rest in peace because it’s just not the kind of man he is, but wherever he is, it will be a better place because he can now shine his light there. In lieu of flowers Walt asked that donations be made to West Charlton Volunteer Fire Department or the Galway Ambulance Corps. WCVFD 1293 Eastern Ave W Charlton NY 12010 Galway Ambulance 2175 Galway Rd, Galway, NY 12074 There will be a memorial gathering for Walter from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on the 11th of February at the West Charlton Firehouse, 1293 Eastern Avenue, West Charlton followed by a time for sharing memories at 3:00PM. Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie. To leave a memory for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net.