Richard Albert "Pop" Schmidt

Richard Albert "Pop" Schmidt, 90, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Columbia. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Richard served aboard the USS Missouri, the "Mighty Mo", and other ships during his military service.

Following his time in the Navy, Richard built a career as a master plumber. He retired from the Carlos R. Leffler Co. in Richland, after years of dedication to his trade. Prior to Leffler, he worked for several other firms, including his own business, Schmidt Plumbing & Heating.

Richard was a former kids' baseball coach; he was known for treating his teams to ice cream after every game, win or lose. He was a man of quick wit and had a heart for the underdog. Richard was also among the founding volunteers of Matthew 25 Thrift Shop in Lititz and previously served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 6810.

Formerly of East Petersburg and Manheim Township, Richard was a longtime parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. In more recent years, he and his wife faithfully participated in the Celebration of the Mass at St. Anne's Retirement Community.

Richard is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Margaret Mary "Peggy" Schmidt. Long Island natives, the couple was married at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Blue Point, New York.

He was the loving father of seven daughters and two sons: Anne, wife of Timothy Koenig of Ephrata; Michael, husband of Barbara (Witmer) of Lancaster; the late Joseph, husband of MaryAnn (Groff) of North East, Maryland; Kathleen, wife of Larry Scoggin of Lancaster; Meryl, wife of the late Thomas Shoemaker of York; Margaret, wife of Joanne Wroblewski of Columbia; Lynn, wife of Donald Miller of Lititz; Teresa, wife of David Houser of DeLand, Florida; and Robyn, wife of Christopher Porter of Columbia. He had 22 grandchildren and a Schmidt-ton of great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 10 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster. Military honors will be rendered during the burial service at 2 pm at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Matthew 25 Thrift Shop, Off the Streets at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, or any local food bank.

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