John George Schmid Jr.

John George Schmid, Jr.
We gather in grief and gratitude as we honor the life of John George Schmid, Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and steadfast friend. John passed peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and quiet strength. He was the beloved husband of Luba P. Schmid (Mebert), with whom he shared a deep and enduring partnership.
Born to Bertha Schmid (Hept) of Nuremberg, Germany, and John G. Schmid, Sr. of Rochester, New York, John grew up with strong values of faith, discipline, and education. At his father's urging, he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School, graduating with the Class of 1960. He went on to complete Army ROTC at Boston College, receiving his commission on January 6, 1964. After a brief six-month interval before entering active duty, John began his military career on June 1, 1965.
He trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before serving 13 months in Korea during peacetime, where he took on the responsibilities of a supply officer. He also gained extensive experience with the 9th Infantry Division's 8" self-propelled artillery battery, skills that followed him as he later served honorably in the Vietnam War. His Army service spanned from January 1965 to August 1970. John loved sharing one of his favorite memories from Christmas of 1966-driving across the country to be home for the holiday, stopping at Howard Johnson's, and having a manager insist they cash his check after seeing the ID of a young First Lieutenant who had earned his respect by uniform alone.
John continued to pursue excellence after his military service. He earned his MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1973, attending evening classes while building his career. His professional path included seven years in marketing at Bausch & Lomb, auditing for Chesebrough-Ponds in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and later international auditing with KPMG. He also dedicated himself to public service, serving as Majority Leader for the Republican Party legislative body in Branford, Connecticut.
John's true joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his loving wife Luba; his son Thomas Mebert and daughter-in-law Kathy Mebert; his daughter Laura Zabawa; and his treasured grandchildren Thomas Mebert IV, Katherine Mebert, and Theodore Zabawa. His final weeks were marked by a deepening appreciation for quiet moments and reflection, and those who loved him will forever cherish the words and memories he shared, including those recorded by Kathy on November 17 and lovingly gathered by Tom.
John embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid skier, boater, and golfer, and he took great pride in watching his children participate in sports and in Katie's dancing. A devout Catholic, he was active in St. Elizabeth's Church in Branford, where his faith remained a constant guide. He honored his fellow veterans by handing out poppies with the VFW and American Legion and by marching each year in the Veterans Day parade. One of his most beloved traditions was attending music on the lawn at the Branford Festival every Father's Day weekend, a celebration of community and simple joy that he looked forward to each year.
John leaves behind a family who will forever honor him, miss him, and carry forward the love he shared with them. His legacy endures in the stories he told, the values he lived, and the kindness he offered to all.
Join us for a visitation at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ 85381, on Sunday, December 28th, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mass at St Joachim & St Anne Parish Sun City, 11625 N 111th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with a graveside to follow at Sunwest Cemetery, 12525 NW Grand Ave., El Mirage AZ 85335.
May he rest in peace.