John Schmidt

November 15, 1934 - May 16, 2011

John R. Schmidt, 76, of Hanover Township passed away Monday morning following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born November 15, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre he was a son of the late George and Ann Rejunis Schmidt. John was a graduate of Saint Michael's School for Boys in Hoban Heights. An Army veteran, he served with the 69th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict. John was a general foreman at the Bechtel Power Plant for forty years. He was a member of Laborers Local 130 (formerly local 215). His passions included the New York Yankees, New York Giants, the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Frank Sinatra. As John always said, "I did it my way." His son, John, Jr., sister, Nancy Schmidt Barnes and brother, George preceded him in death. He will be missed by his loving wife, the former Madelene Bryce, with whom he would have celebrated fifty-five years of marriage on June 8th; children, Mary Schmidt and George Schmidt of Wilkes-Barre, Ronald Schmidt of Nanticoke, Tracy Schmidt and Madelene Schmidt of Hanover Township; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Michael Schmidt of Wilkes-Barre; a sister, Miriam Schmidt of Tunkhannock; and nieces and nephews. His family will celebrate John’s life privately at his request. John’s family extends special thanks to Dr. Janusz Wolanin, who took wonderful care of him, and the ICU nurses at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. Arrangements by McLaughlin’s. Permanent messages and memories can be shared with John’s family at www.celebratehislife.com