Eldon Schmidt

Eldon Schmidt, 91, formerly of Setauket, NY, died peacefully and comfortably on December 15, 2017. He was born in Hart, Michigan the son of the late Frank Edward Schmidt and Anna (Graff) Schmidt. Eldon was the beloved husband for 65 years of the late Janet (Work) Schmidt who died on June 20, 2017. He was the devoted father of Nancy S. McLaughlin of West Chester, PA; Katherine S. Cromwell and her husband Richard H. Cromwell of Wayland and the late Fredrick E. Schmidt who died in 1982. He is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Eldon spent his formative years in Michigan and lived many years in Setauket, Long Island, New York before moving to Wayland in 1999. He received his Masters Degree in Physics in 1951 from the University of Michigan where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He began a long and distinguished career as a Nuclear Physicist with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 1950 to 1955. He was then associated with Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA from 1955 through 1979 and he completed his career with Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York from 1979 until his retirement. Eldon served his country during World War II with the United States Army Air Corp in the 380th Med Coll Co. A quiet man, Eldon had many interests. He was a Civil War history buff, was well versed in Shakespeare and was fascinated by Egyptian history. In his early years, he excelled at chess and pool and he loved playing golf throughout his life. He loved a puzzle and could fix anything his family asked him to repair. He was devoted to Janet and to his family. Private family interment will be held at a later date in the Setauket Presbyterian Cemetery in New York. In lieu of flowers, his family kindly suggests that memorial gifts in Eldons memory may be sent to the Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 or to the Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center, Patient Fund Account, 45 Union Street, Natick, MA 01760. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.