David Alan Schmidt Jr.

David Alan Schmidt, Jr.

 NOVEMBER 21, 1968 – MAY 10, 2023

David Alan Schmidt, Jr., a lifelong Rutherford resident, entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was the adored son of Ann Mery and beloved brother of Laura Schmidt-Davis, and her fiancé Bill Klovert, a cherished uncle and godfather to Dennis Davis, Jr., and his wife Katie, and Jillian Kent (née Davis), and her husband Josh. David was blessed with many wonderful and loving cousins and extended family and was “Uncle Schmidty'' to many.

A graduate of Rutherford High School, he was a “true blue” bulldog through and through. A standout two-way lineman on the football team, medal winning shot putter in track and field,   and champion wrestler for the Bulldogs, David was a multi-talented student-athlete, as evidenced by his memorable performances in many school musicals. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the reserves until receiving his honorable discharge. It was during his time in the USAR that he acquired the nickname “Big Dawg” from his sergeant. David attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and Ramapo College. In his professional life, he worked as a plumber and furnace installation technician for DiNoto Fuel & Oil, and then for the Rutherford DPW for 11-years. He spent many years “moonlighting” as a cook at Steve’s Sizzling Steaks, as well as landscaping which he continued to do until his death.

David joined the Rutherford Elks eventually becoming the Exalted Ruler in 2005 -2006.  He was extremely proud of being an Elk and the amazing charitable work they do, especially for Children with Special Needs and Veterans.  He was an incredible cook, a skill he honed in the army, and ran the Annual (Good Friday) Fish and Chips at the Elks for many years generating thousands of dollars for the organization.

David showed his “one-of-a-kind” Big Dawg love not only in his massive hugs, infectious laughter and storytelling, but also by taking over as the “expert grill master”  to feed his family, friends and community on any given occasion.

David also served as a head coach at Rutherford Junior Football & Cheer for many years and could be found (and certainly heard) each fall at Rutherford’s Tryon Field “coaching” the high school and RJF&C football teams to victory from the stands. He was a founding member and cook for the RHS football team’s pregame meal, a tradition kept to this day.

The BIG DAWG was a very kind and generous man with a heart of gold.  There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for a friend. He earned the love and devotion of his family, friends, and community.

An avid Jets fan, he lived for football season. He loved children and animals, and they loved him. His unexpected loss is devastating to his family and friends. He will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved him. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Rutherford Elks #547 Scholarship Fund or the Humane Society of Bergen County/Lost Pet Inc. (Lyndhurst) would be greatly appreciated.