Joseph Bernard Schmitt, Jr., 79, of Leesburg, formerly of Bridgeville, PA, passed away on July 19, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Helen (Lydon) and Joseph Bernard Schmitt, Sr. Joe graduated from South Hills Catholic High School in 1963 and served his country in the U.S. Army as a radar specialist stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Back to civilian life in 1971, Joe was employed by Koppers Chemical Plant in Bridgeville, PA as an electrician. He saw the company through its transition to Reichhold Chemical until its closing in 2004 and worked on its demolition in 2005.

For over 20 years, Joe was a volunteer emergency medical technician and firefighter in Presto, PA where he was Assistant Fire Chief and in Kirwan Heights as Fire Chief. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators, The Allegheny County Firemen's Association and past President of the South Hill Firemen's Association. Joe worked for the State of Pennsylvania at Mayview State Hospital for a short time until it closed its doors and then moved to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PADOT) where he monitored the traffic cameras on I-79 in and around the Pittsburgh area. He officially retired in January 2014 when he relocated to sunny Florida with his wife Bobbie.

After moving to Florida, Joe accepted a volunteer position with the Lake County Sheriff's Department - Citizens on Patrol program. He was also a school bus driver for special needs children in the Lake County School District. He was active with both organizations until his sudden passing.

Joe will be greatly missed by family, friends and community members whom he was proud to serve over the years.

Joe is survived by Roberta "Bobbie" (Fuhr), his loving wife of 42 years; his children: Frank Wright and wife Ruth (Kellerman), Tom Wright and wife Lora (Sutherin), James Shelton Sr. and Lynn Degnan and husband John; his grandchildren: Nicole and Wesley Wright, Justin and James Shelton, Jr., and Olivia and Catherine Degnan; his great-granddaughter Hunter Quinn; his sisters: Landa Schmitt and husband Lyle Nehls and Patricia Schmitt and partner Ed Corgiat as well as nieces and nephews: Kristen Raimondi and husband Matt, Lauren Richey, David Richey and wife Katie Flynn and Eric Nehls and partner Mia Lohmann.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Joe's Life on

Friday, August 30 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

at the chapel of

Cremation Choices, 921 S US Highway 27, Minneola, FL 34715