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Greg Schmidt was the kind of man who always showed up — for his family, his friends, his job and his community.
The Stony Brook father of three coached his sons’ travel baseball teams, many times arriving straight from overnight firefighter shifts in New York City. He once pulled over to perform CPR on a stranger in distress, saving the man’s life.
He showed up in life’s everyday moments too — cheering at his kids’ events, tending his lawn, and lighting up the room with his booming laugh and easy smile.
The many people who counted on Schmidt — at home, on the field and in the heat of the battle at work — are now left mourning his sudden loss. The 22-year FDNY veteran, Gregory John Schmidt, died on Friday, April 25 — just three days before his 51st birthday.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Setauket. Visitation was scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes in Miller Place, from 2-4 p.m. and 7 -9 p.m.
Schmidt served as a firefighter for 22 years with New York City’s fire department, where he rose to the rank of captain with Engine Company 8. Before that, he was an officer with the NYPD and a volunteer firefighter in East Northport.
Gave his ‘whole heart’
Family and friends said he dedicated his life to public service and was known for his compassion, leadership and devotion to others.
“He wore many hats throughout his life — husband, father, son, uncle, godfather, friend, captain and leader,” his obituary reads. “In every role, he gave his whole heart.”
Schmidt leaves behind his wife, Nicole, and their three children: Michael, 15, Joseph, 13, and Mia, 12. He is also survived by his parents, John and Sheila; his brother, Eric; his nephew, Owen Salemi; and his niece, Molly Salemi.
In an official statement, the FDNY wrote:
“Captain Schmidt dedicated his life to protecting the lives of others — first with the NYPD, and then with the FDNY for over 22 years. He exemplified what it means to serve with honor and bravery. His loss is deeply felt throughout the department and the city.”
Friends, colleagues and community members have shared messages of grief and gratitude.
“Greg is a true hero and we will miss him dearly,” read a tribute posted on Facebook by the Three Village Baseball and Softball League, where Schmidt coached. “His patience and support for all of these kids will always be in their memories. They are all developing into incredible young men from having Greg as a mentor.”
A friend wrote on Facebook, “You made people want to be a better person just by knowing you. I watched you as a really nice guy turn into a really great man.”
Supporting the Schmidt family
The FDNY Foundation established a scholarship fund to support the education of Schmidt’s children. To donate, you can click here and scroll to select the “Captain Gregory J. Schmidt Children’s Education Fund.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up and has raised over $11,000 from more than 110 donations to help “ease some of the daily burdens” Schmidt’s wife and children.
Top images: FDNY Capt. Greg Schmidt (O.B. Davis Funeral Homes and Facebook).
