George Schmitt

George Schmitt, 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on July 22nd, 1931, in Paterson, NJ to Robert and Anna Schmitt (nee Mandak). He grew up in South Paterson where he attended elementary school #9 and graduated from Central High School.

After high school, George joined the carpenters union as an apprentice, beginning a four-year journey that shaped him into a skilled carpenter. During this time, he also served in the Construction Battalion of the Navy during the Korean War. He spent many years leading jobsites that are still standing today including the Wayne Municipal Building. His dedication and expertise in the trade led to a swift promotion to supervisor. While still working in the field George taught night classes for the union carpenter apprenticeship programs at PCTI in Wayne. After many successful years in the field, his passion for education grew, prompting him to leave the field and become a full-time shop teacher at PCTI where he eventually was promoted to director of facilities. Throughout his career, George earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers, furthering his commitment to both the craft and education.

On February 14th, 1953, George married the love of his life, Joan McBride. Their love story began when George was 15 and Joan was just 13, and it blossomed into a remarkable 66-year marriage that endured until Joan's passing in November 2019. During their 73 years together, they have welcomed five children: Debra and her husband Richard Mirabelli of West Milford, NJ, George Schmitt of Wayne, NJ, Edward and his wife Kim Schmitt of Warwick, NY, Diane and husband Dave Brennan of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Lisa Schmitt of Wayne, NJ.

George was blessed with 11 grandchildren. Melissa Welch of West Milford, NJ, Dana and her husband Donald Reonieri of Landing, NJ, Michele and her husband Erik Gillis of Ringwood, NJ, Scott and his wife Rosy Schmitt of Belvidere, NJ, Kayla Schmitt of Warwick, NY, Patrick Liszewski of Warwick, NY, Jahne Liszewski and her husband Miquel Gonzalez of Warwick, NY, Ashley Brennan of Wayne, NJ, Casey  and her husband Mike Riccardello of Wayne, NJ and Shannon and her husband Peter Rinsland of Wallingford, CT, and Melvin Green of Woodbridge, NJ.

On their 59th wedding anniversary, George and Joan welcomed their first great-grandchild, and since then, George was blessed with 10 more: Denis, Aubrey, Ryan, Owen, Edison, Daphne, DJ, Wade, Georgie, Francesca, and Peter. He cherished every moment spent with his growing family, marveling at how it expanded over the years. Family was the heart of his life, and he made sure to share stories, sweet treats, especially Tootsie Rolls, Root Beer Barrels, Candy Kisses, and Butterscotch, and plenty of love, earning the endearing nickname "Grandpa George."

As a dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, George was always there for his loved ones, ready to listen, offer a helping-hand, kind words, or share a laugh. He treasured these precious times together. He had fond memories of summers spent at Lake Hopatcong and annual vacations to Wildwood Crest, where he was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Whether hosting or attending family gatherings, George was always involved in the planning, especially when it came to food. He would always be sure to suggest his favorite, hot dogs all-the-way, especially when everyone just showed up. If nothing else, he always made sure everyone ate. He was always concerned about others, offering love and care to all.

George had many hobbies and passions, including tending to his lawn and garden, cruising around the neighborhood on his John Deere, up keeping his house, tinkering with his next project and sitting out front, giving treats to all of the dogs and waving to his neighbors. Let’s not forget his favorite thing to do was watch sports especially his favorite team, the Mets! George could often be found sporting his Mets gear and eagerly watching his team play, a passion he shared with those closest to him. George was blessed with the gift of gab and was never short of words or conversations with those he met. His stories, his smiles, and his waves were his signature to being the happy person that he was.

After a full and happy life—one spent in the loving company of his wife, Joan, and their four generations of family—George leaves behind a lasting legacy. His memory will live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to love, devotion, and the joy of family. May his love, wisdom, and warmth continue to inspire all those who knew him.

George was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Robert Schmitt and brother Robert. He is survived by his sister, Mildred, and brother, William and many nieces and nephews.