Joseph R. Schmid

Joseph R. Schmid, 90, a life resident of Slocum Twp., died at his home Monday, April 12, 2021, with his family by his side.

Born Aug. 2, 1930, in Paterson, N.J., he was the son of the late John and Catherine Reiner Schmid. He attended school in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950. He was a rifle coach from 1950 to 1952 in Parris Island, S.C. From 1952 to 1953, he volunteered for duty during the Korean War where he was assigned to Easy Company Marines and fought in the outpost battles. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Marines, where he earned the rank of staff sergeant.

He owned and operated Schmid Plumbing and Heating as well as Schmid Equipment Company. He also worked as a maintenance mechanic at Quaker Oats Co., Mountain Top, along with various other maintenance positions.

He was a hands-on type of guy who loved woodworking, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family. Joseph loved hunting so much that he built four tree houses on his property, so he was sure to find a deer.

He belonged to St. Mary's Church, Dorrance Twp.; Marine Corp League, White Haven; and the former Marine Corp League, Plains Twp.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by sisters, Catherine Schmid and Rosemary Petty; and brothers, Andrew and Robert Schmid.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Laverne; sons, Joseph (Charlene), Shavertown; David (Eileen), Dover, Del.; Steven (Andrea), Slocum Twp.; and a daughter, Diane (Rich) Hochreiter, Mountain Top. He will be greatly missed by his loving grandchildren, Janna, Joseph, David, Ryan, Michelle, Cecelia, Lauren and R.J. He also had eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Owen, Aubrey, Roman, Leola, Moses, Mia and Grant. He will be missed by his siblings, John (Dolores) Wisconsin; and Elizabeth Strzelecki, Wapwallopen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Church, 3529 St. Mary's Road, Wapwallopen.

Interment will follow with Military Honors in the parish cemetery.

Arrangements from Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, 436 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top.

Visit the funeral home website at www.DesiderioFuneralHome.com to view a video tribute, to leave the family a condolence or for information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Church, Dorrance Twp., and the Marine Corp League, White Haven.