November 2, 1933 - May 13, 2022
Service
Saturday, June 18th from 11 am to 2 pm at the Canterbury Woods Clubhouse
Donald Paul Schmidt of Westerville, Ohio went to heaven to be with the love of his life, his wife Janice Louise (Rader), on May 13, 2022. His loving family was at his side. Don was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1933 at the family home of his parents, George "Pappy" and Beatrice "Nanna" Schmidt, who both preceded him in death. He lived at the same home during his entire upbringing with his brothers and sister, Raymond, Walter, Edward and Rita.
Don wore many hats throughout his lifetime and he excelled at them: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, mentor, boss, altar boy, business owner, professor, scholar, athlete, coach, laborer, military man, to name a few. He was a low key, humble and humorous man who achieved most of his goals. He was particularly proud of his family and his professional accomplishments serving the park districts of Ohio. He was relentless and persevering in his selfless support and service of others. U.S. Navy veteran.
I quote his only daughter, Valarie Reckner, as follows, "Dad is a giving man. He willingly shares his knowledge and advice, as well as his brawn. He has instilled in me the love of nature and the value of humor. I am proud of his dedication in the field of Parks & Recreation and natural resources. His hard work left a legacy for others to enjoy."
One of his daughter in laws, Nancy Trucano Schmidt, created a memoir with his answers to a wide variety of questions, entitled "A Fathers Legacy". Allow me to reference one of the questions and his answer. Recall the 5 most important lessons that you have learned in life: 1) Education should be a lifetime occurrence. 2) Reading comprehensively is a skill which will serve you well whatever you are doing in life. 3) Families should stay close their entire lives. 4) Being honest is a trait that is necessary if you want to be taken seriously by co-workers, friends and family. 5) Keep friends of all ages your entire life.
Weeks ago, Don told me, "Your Mother and I have lived a good long life together. We have done everything that we wanted to do". Don waited to see the newest addition to the family, before letting himself leave the earth. Lainey was born on May 4, 2022 and so the circle of life continues...
Don is survived by his children Val (Mark) Reckner, Paul (Nancy Trucano) Schmidt, and Eric (Juli) Schmidt; grandchildren Scott (Lisa), Ryan, Krista (Alex), David, Dan (Tracey), Rebecca, Annelise; as well as great grandchildren Jackson, Clark, Emma, Charlotte, and Lainey.
Don's family would like to thank the Capital City Hospice team for the exceptional care and support that they gave to Don, Jan, and their family.
Don's family will have a Celebration of Life for all from 11am to 2:00pm on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Canterbury Woods Clubhouse, 595 Havelock St., Westerville, Ohio 43082. On street parking is available in the Canterbury Woods condo neighborhood. This informal celebration will include a luncheon and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.westervilleparksfoundation.org or the local park/s of your choice.
Condolences
Thomas Hyatt - Feb 11, 2024
Paul and Eric, My memories of your father are distant yet clear.Don was a good man, soft spoken, kind and fun.I believe that I met you three by living next door to the Rano family.It has been a long time since I have seen you yet my memory of your father lives on.I’m sure a lot of people would say the same.God bless all of you. Tom father is distant yet very clear.Don was a good man, soft spoken, kind and fun.I believe I met you three by being a neighbor of the Rano family.It has been a long time since I have seen you but the memory of your father lives on.
Craig Seeds - Jun 2, 2022
My condolences to your family. To me, Don was a fantastic mentor who encouraged me in my career. I met him when I was a young man, and he helped me get involved in OPRA and gave the best advice on the parks profession and life. I have always kept his advice and it was always right. What a man of integrity, family, and a shining light of encouragement in a darkening world. God bless Don, you his family, and all of the many lives he touched and made better, mine included. Thank you Don for everything. You will be missed old friend.
John Metzker - May 29, 2022
Don was a good friend .We had a lot o great racket ball games and in our trip to Alaska. Don was also a great friend to the Metro Parks of Ohio.
Joyce Dattle - May 27, 2022
I have known Jan and Don for many years. We have taken trips together. They were both caring and fun people to be around.
Mike Pfahl - May 23, 2022
Don was on the interview panel that gave me my first opportunity to serve in the parks and recreation profession. He also stepped up taking on multiple teams as coach when introducing youth soccer to the City of Vandalia Ohio. Don was simply THE BEST and what a privilege I had to know him professionally.
Arnie Biondo - May 23, 2022
Don was a mentor to me and I owe much of my career success to him. He was on the interview panel that hired me in from Illinois in 1981. And, 40 years later, he gave me advice on retirement. In between, he was always great company and ready with advice, suggestions and stories. Wonderful man!
Sally Byers - May 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We had many dinners, picnics and fun times with Jan and Don. He had a great sense of humor. He told us that when he bought their cemetery plots, he told the salesman that Jan wanted in the non smoking section. I still laugh when I think of that.
David and Kay Buxton - May 22, 2022
Don was an extraordinary person. He is missed by many.
Jon Brady - May 20, 2022
What a wonderful life! It’s hard to imagine anyone who meant so much to not only family, friends, colleagues but also so many citizens, communities, natural resources and park systems throughout the Midwest and especially Ohio! Although Don is no longer with us in body, he is all around us in the nature preserves, parks, recreation areas that he helped create, preserve and protect. The advice, mentoring, knowledge, guidance and leadership was so very important to me and so many others. His good humor and positivity even in some of the most difficult circumstances was without equal. He accomplished so much in his life and I am so grateful to have known and respected him.
Mike Cook - May 20, 2022
Val, Paul, and Eric - So sorry to hear your dad has passed. He was a fantastic boss and a fantastic man. I’m also sorry I’ll be out of town on June 18. Love you all.