OAK ISLAND — Glenn Bruce Schmidt, age 82, of Oak Island, North Carolina passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024.
Mr. Schmidt was born September 14, 1941 in Wilmington, DE, son of the late Harry and Ivy Schmidt, and moved as a young child to Philadelphia, PA, where he grew up and became a lifetime fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Many knew him as Glenn or Pop—husband, father, brother, friend, grandparent, great grandparent, veteran of the country he loved. Mostly, he was a man who welcomed life with open arms. Glenn was happiest when celebrating and sharing good times, ever generous in opening his home and welcoming anyone and everyone on holidays and special occasions. He loved a good laugh, a cold beer and steak grilled to perfection. His joy in gathering and enjoying moments with family and friends was the mark of a life lived with a full heart.
Devoted to his beloved Maryanne and the family they created, Glenn worked hard to provide for his wife and children. With his tireless work ethic, Glenn worked countless hours as a printer—as well as part time jeweler—and was most proud when he could gift them with a beautiful home in the woods near a lake, adventures to Disney World, vacations at the beach in Ocean City, NJ, and concerts to see Neil Diamond. His love of every season showed in his backyard barbecues served in summer, Koi ponds built in Spring, Thanksgiving dinners hosted in Fall, and Christmas lights (everywhere!) decorated in Winter. He carried his love of crafting a home in New Jersey to cultivating a life in retirement when he moved to Oak Island where he often said, “Life is great!”
Glenn’s heart of gold was always shining through his genuine desire to be of service and available for anyone in need. From his time as a Communications Officer in the Army to being a husband who would do anything for his wife, Glenn was a father who, by example, taught his children the blessing of service. Countless acts of donating time, materials and resources—to the schools that educated them and the church that nurtured his family—was part of his nature, with acts of compassion and generosity bestowed without question. Whether caring for his family, lending a helping hand or offering a place to stay for friends of his children, donating books to students in Native American communities, or giving to Vets and children in need of medical care, there was truly nothing that Glenn would not do for the people he loved or cared about.
He lived each day with a hope for something bright and interesting, always ready to meet a friend or make a new one, ever happy to catch up with someone in conversation or simply share space in companionship. His love of being around people and wanting to make them laugh will forever be a hallmark of his character.
Glenn leaves a legacy of joy found in living a life simply with absolute embrace and best intention. His laughter, voice and presence are so very missed, but his vibrant spirit, actions, and invitation to “Listen…” leave precious reminders to answer the call of life and enjoy the gift of moments found in celebration, family and love.
Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Leeanne Staveley (Jim) and Eric Schmidt (Stephanie); three grandchildren, Chandlar Schmidt, Lola Schmidt, and Kodi Schmidt; a great-grandson, Kolton Schmidt; a brother, Dana Schmidt; sister, Sharon Schmidt; and brother, Corey Schmidt; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Maryanne Schmidt who passed away in 2021.
Visitation followed by a Memorial Mass and celebration of both Glenn’s and Maryanne’s lives will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford, NJ, on September 21, 2024 starting at 10 a.m.
Interment will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ, after the service.
A gathering of friends to honor and remember Glenn will be held in Oak Island at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here.
