Craig Robert Schmidt

Schmidt, Craig Robert
was born in Albany, N.Y. on August 6, 1959 to Beverly and Robert Schmidt. He died suddenly, but peacefully at home on October 27, 2015. He was 56 years old. By the time Craig was in fourth grade they had settled in Fredon, New Jersey, where he attended Fredon Elementary School and graduated from Blair Academy. Craig maintained a deep connection to his Blair roots and regularly attended Blair alumni events to reconnect with old friends. Craig studied at Vassar College and Virginia Commonwealth University before deciding to make journalism his full-time career. Coming from a newspaper family, he felt the pulse of the industry in his blood. He started his life-long career at the age 16 covering local events for the New Jersey Herald. At the young age of 19 he covered the Yankees interviewing players behind the scenes. He soon moved to copy editing and worked at newspapers in Tucson, San Diego, Orange County, CA, and Miami but always found his way back to his true geographical love, New Jersey. He last worked at the New York Daily News and was thrilled about an interview at the New York Times on the day he passed. Craig had a heart of gold. He touched many people's lives in so many ways. Craig met the love of his life, Deborah Conway Schmidt, while living in NYC. He soon knew she was the one for him and the two married on March 4, 2000. Craig leaves behind his wife, Debbie, mother Beverly, his sister Cindy, and niece Brittany. Craig's father passed in 2003. He also leaves: Aunt and Uncle Larry and Carole Willson, cousins Larry and Barbara, niece Jocylenn, Meaghan and Lauren and nephew Joshua. Sister- and brother- in laws Christine and Gary Basque, Jane and Chris Stumbris, and nephews Michael and Ryan Basque and Dylan and Kevin Stumbris. Beloved cats, Batman and Gigi. Everyone loved Craig very much and will miss him dearly. In addition to family, many friends and professional associates will feel his absence. He was a dedicated journalist and was devoted to his craft. He loved to explore and to write about new places especially about New Jersey. We often joked that he should be an off-beat tour guide in his spare time. Craig was an expert thrift-shopper and had a stellar collection of high quality clothing that he often gave away to others in need. He also was an excellent cook. Craig regularly submitted interesting posts on Facebook about editing and good reads, which became favorites for many. At the direction of the family, cremation was private. A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 11AM, at the Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 South Mc Clintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284, www.desertcross.or. Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ 07735 was entrusted the funeral arrangements. To post a condolence to the family, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the following organizations: The Salvation Army, Newark, N.J. www.salvationarmy.org, Monmouth County S.P.C.A www.monmouthcountyspca.org, or Straight & Narrow, Inc., (A Catholic Charities Agency in the Diocese of Paterson). www.straightandnarrowinc.org