David Alan Schmidt

David A. Schmidt, Sr., 83, of Rochester Hills passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 19, 2024. David was born in Elizabeth, NJ on September 16, 1940. He was a graduate of Rutherford High School in Rutherford, NJ where he was an avid football player. After graduation he attended the Pennsylvania Military College on a football scholarship and followed his passion of service by joining the United States Air Force. His work and life experiences spanned many states and countries, with one of the biggest being the relocation of his family to Michigan in 1991.
David, also known as "Coach" or "Pop Pop", lived for all things racing, aviation and boating. There was never a day where he could be found in or around any of these without a huge smile on his face. David valued service and volunteering in many forms, which led him to the U.S. Auxiliary Coast Guard which combined his love of boating and providing service to others. Through these interests, he never met strangers; he only made new friends. This is at the heart and soul of who he was. Of all the places David was privileged to visit, Paramus, NJ was close to his heart, as this is where he met his future wife, Betty Jane. They were married in New Jersey in 1976 and grew their family by adopting their two daughters from Texas.
David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty Jane; daughters Kristina (Matt) Scholl and Victoria (Ben) Schmidt-Graf and his grandsons, Dennis, Austin, Carson and Conrad. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Betty Schmidt, brother Eric Schmidt, and son David Schmidt, Jr..
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all that cared for David these past few months including the amazing staff at Ascension Rochester and Heart to Heart Hospice in Troy. He was always treated with kindness and compassion, and for that, we greatly appreciate your service and empathy.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105).