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Wayne Schmidt Obituary
Largo, FL - 88 of Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 1, 2020 surrounded by his family. Wayne grew up in Millville, New Jersey and served in the Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952. After moving to the Tampa Bay area in late 1974, he established what is now known as Suncoast Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Since first opening its doors on January 2, 1975, the dealership has become a local institution overseen by three generations of the Schmidt family. Wayne's 65-year career in the automotive field was highlighted by an impressive series of accolades and accomplishments. He was twice honored with the Walter P. Chrysler Award recognizing the top Chrysler dealer in the United States. He was also nominated for "Time" magazine's Dealer of the Year. A former president of both the St. Petersburg Automotive Dealers Association and the Southeast Chrysler dealers' advertising association, Wayne served on Chrysler's Executive Committee. He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 65 years, and their four children: Philip Schmidt (Jean) of Seminole, FL; Wayne Schmidt Jr.(Marisa) of Seminole, FL; Elizabeth Schmidt of Seminole, FL; and Tom Schmidt of Raleigh, NC. He had two sisters: Patricia Ferus of Millville, NJ and Nancy Feltes who is predeceased. Wayne is also survived by seven grandchildren -- Alicia, Wayne III "Trey" (Lori), Caitlin, Ian, Josh, Savannah and Lily -- and three great grandchildren -- Wayne IV "Drew", Asher and Eliannah. There will be a visitation Sunday January 5, 2020 at the Hubbell Funeral Home, 499 N. Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs, FL., from 1-3 PM. Service will begin at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors, America Heart Assoc. or Morton Plant Mease Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Schmidt
Sponsored by Hubbell Funeral Home & Crematory.
Beth Purcell
December 31, 2022
Miss you every day my friend. We certainly had some good times and made some fabulous memories.
January 17, 2020
Our condolences to all of Wayne's family. We bought several cars from Wayne's dealership. He always gave us a fair price and we always appreciated his honesty, fairness, and integrity in our dealings with him and his dealership. Our prayers for peace for the family and may God bless you all.
Michael and Patti Justen
Ralph Kay
January 16, 2020
My condolences to all of Wayne's family. I had the pleasure to help Wayne out on several occasions over the past 8 years lettering his boat most recently this past October or a sign here or there at the dealership. I always enjoyed our interactions as he was always a gentleman and gracious and he will be missed. My prayers for peace for the family and may God Bless you all.
Dominick Salmeri
January 8, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Schmidt family. I had the pleasure of working for them in my career. Bonny & I will be praying for your family. Dominick Salmeri
January 6, 2020
Condolences to the Schmidt family from the Thomas Twitty family. Wayne used his Marine training and discipline to become a leading Chrysler dealer. Wayne had purchased our home in 1988 and I asked him what car was his favorite. He said the Jeep Cherokee so I took his advice and bought several over the years. I drove my 2002 for 18 years and just traded it on a Jeep Renegade. Wayne purchased our home on Harborview Ln in 1988 and never stopped improving it. He built a boathouse second to none and loved his boats. RIP Wayne
Paul Bellware
January 5, 2020
Our condolences to the Schmidt family on your loss. We always enjoyed taking care of you every Sunday night and on many holidays at E&E.
Donna Snyder
January 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite customer at Amici's, his rough manner made him more endearing to me but when I would get a smile it was special. RIP Mr Schmidt, I will miss you.
Dianne Bekech
January 4, 2020
R.I.P. Mr. Schmidt..you will be missed. It was my pleasure working for you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Dianne Bekech
January 4, 2020
R.I.P. Mr. Schmidt..you will be missed. It was my pleasure working for you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
william & Phyllis duncan
January 4, 2020
Wayne was a great friend and employer for over 40 years. Enjoyed trips on his boats and our dual boat trips we took while we were members with the Treasure Island Yacht Club and our Fishing trips to Boca Grande.
Our prayers to Joyce and the family.
Bill and Phyllis Duncan.
January 4, 2020
My sympathy to all the family members. Mr. Schmidt was a great boss, and a great person. I would run into him at one of the doctors offices that I go to and he would never forget who I was or things that happened over the years. You will be missed.
Don Erickson
Good times
Gordon Helser
January 4, 2020
With deepest sympathies. We will really miss Oh Wayne at poker. Hope Joyce will continue to play. Sorry to miss visitation. We are cruising.
Purcells/Bishop/Helser
Fr. Tom Anastasia
January 3, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Schmidt family on the loss of your patriarch. I always enjoyed chatting with him & I admired so much how he supported churches that he didn't belong to in addition to being a good steward @ his own church. I will be remembering him & your family in my masses this weekend.
January 3, 2020
Prayers to the family, Mr Schmidt was the best boss anyone could ask for. I worked in the bodyshop at suncoast in the mid 90"s. I still tell everyone how cool of a boss he was and his Christmas parties were the best. I am so glad i was able to work for him and his son. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Terri Koons.
Susan Zagst
January 3, 2020
Rip mr Schmidt and prayers and sympathy to the family during this time
marcia sanders
January 3, 2020
Thinking of your family you have wonderful memories of a great man will be missed.
Marcia and Lou Sanders
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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Memorial Events
for Wayne Schmidt
Jan
5
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hubbell Funeral Home & Crematory499 N. Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
Jan
5
Funeral services provided by:
Hubbell Funeral Home & Crematory499 N. Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
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