John M. Schmitt
Born: May 4, 1951 to Adam and Ernie (Himpler) Schmitt
Date of Death: January 19, 2019
John Schmitt also known as “Big John” grew up in Broad Channel, NY with his 4 siblings Buster, Barbara, Richard and Billy. He graduated from Far Rockaway High School in 1969 and studied criminal justice at John Jay College. He had numerous occupations including draftsman, electrician, a runner on Wall Street, a mechanic, sand hog, NYC police officer, farmer, and most notable as the third generation owner/operator of Channel Marine boat yard in Broad Channel. He also worked at Busters Marina and Marina 59.
John had a passion for music, especially the guitar and played in a band “The Flatlanders” in Colorado. He enjoyed building things, working on boats, teaching others how things work, politics, and spending time with family and friends. He liked gardening and enjoyed the challenge of learning Russian. He was a good friend to all, great father, and loving grandfather.
John is preceded in death by his mother Ernie Schmitt; brother in law Mickey Orr; nephew Michael Orr; and his first wife Dorothy Wilmarth.
John is survived by his son John Schmitt Jr.(Tara Murray and daughter Rachael) and child Danny, daughters Stephanie Wood (Josh) and children Connor and Sarah, Veronica Schmitt, his father Adam (Betty) Schmitt, his siblings Buster (Carol) Schmitt, Barbara Orr, Richard (Joanne) Schmitt, Billy (Beth Ann) Schmitt, numerous nieces and nephews, ex wife Stacie May, his closest friends who were more like family Ed Wilmarth 2nd, Ed Wilmarth 3rd(Jeannine) and children Autumn and Ed 4th, and Rosie Wilmarth.
Crematory service: Meet at Hillebrand Funeral Home, 6317 Woodhaven Blvd, Rego Park, NY on January 24, 2019 at 9:15am
Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Broad Channel VFW on January 24, 2019 at 11:30
In Lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.