July 14, 2011

Richard A. Schmidt, 81, a former resident of 225 West First St., Oswego died in Pontiac Nursing Home after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Mr. Schmidt was born in Oswego, and has remained a lifetime resident. He was the manager for a former Esso gas station, Oswego and he worked as a watchman by the river for the Lackawanna Railroad. Mr. Schmidt was a fisherman for Cahill’s Market and he worked on Cahill’s Fish Tug. In the early 1950’s he was the first charter boat captain in Oswego. Mr. Schmidt served in the United States Army during the Korean War; he was a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign War Post #5885. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Mr. Schmidt is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Julie and Gary Ogden of VA, granddaughter Jenna Marie Ogden, of VA a graduate of the college William & Mary VA, sister and brothers Ilene Schmidt of Oswego, Harold Schmidt of Oswego, Fred (Ethel) Schmidt of CA, and Robert Schmidt of Mexico, and several nieces and nephews. Richard was one of the oldest living Americans with diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis and he chose to gift his body to medical science to further the research of Multiple Sclerosis. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oswego Salvation Army. Calling hours will be Friday August 12, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 West Fourth St. Oswego