Thomas E. Schmidt, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 21, 2024, at 88 years of age.
At nearly 18 years old, Tom left his childhood home in Elmont, NY to enlist in the Navy. During part of his term served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While on leave in NY, he met and fell in love with Edith “Happy” Garrigan. The couple married in 1958 in Flushing, NY, later to settle in the Town of Fishkill. As a member of the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, Tom sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and helped manage the Food Pantry.
Tom worked as a lab technician at Highland Hospital and Castle Point Veterans Hospital. After years of night school, he obtained his bachelor's degree from Marist College and went on to work as a Laboratory Technologist at the NY Blood Center in Westchester NY until his retirement. Tom enjoyed researching his and his extended family’s genealogy, leaving this legacy for future generations.
Tom was an exemplary husband, father, caregiver, and human being. His love of animals, care of his extended family, and above all his desire to provide the best life for his wife, children, and grandchildren exemplify his willingness to put others’ needs before his own.
Along with his beloved wife Happy of 65 years, Tom is survived by his son, Eric Schmidt; his daughter, Jennifer Schmidt-Thibeault; his son-in-law, John Thibeault; his three grandchildren, Alyssa Schmidt Warner, Jessica Schmidt and Ian Schmidt; and great-grandson Noah Postolan.
Tom will receive military honors from the United States Navy Honor Guard.
To offer a message of condolence or share a fond memory, please visit: www.LibbyFuneralHome.com