Joseph R. Schmid

SLOCUM TWP.— Joseph R. Schmid, 90, a lifetime resident of Slocum Township, died at his home on Monday, April 12, 2021, with his family by his side.

Born Aug. 2, 1930 in Paterson, New Jersey, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Reiner Schmid. He attended school in the Wilkes-Barre School District. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. He was a rifle coach from 1950-1952 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 United States 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. in 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 in Dorrance, the Marine Corps League in White Haven and the former Marine Corps League in Plains.

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) of Shavertown; David (Eileen) of Dover, Delaware; Steven (Andrea) of Slocum Township and a daughter, Diane (Rich) Hochreiter of 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; Elizabeth Strzelecki of Wapwallopen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 19, 2021, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 3529 St. Mary's Road, Wapwallopen. Interment will follow, with military monors, in the parish cemetery.

Arrangements by 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 an online condolence or for additional information.

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