Donald Henry Schmidt, of Trumansburg, N.Y., passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 88. Don was born in Ithaca on May 14, 1937, the son of the late Joseph and Hazel (Dill) Schmidt. He attended Trumansburg schools, and with an interest in farming, joined the Future Farmers of America, leading to the management of his own family farm. When the farming economy changed in the 1960s, Don took a job at Ehrhart's Gas Co., and eventually at Cayuga Medical Center as a carpenter.
Don was a lover and observer of nature (always with a camera in tow). He spent much of his free time tending his garden, photographing wildlife, and walking in the woods. He was also a gifted woodworker and created many artisan pieces during his lifetime. He wrote poems regularly under the pen name "The Carpenter," and his poetry reflected a nostalgic desire to return to the simplicity of the natural world.
There were two pillars of meaning in Don's life: one was Helen, whom he married in 1959, sharing 66 years of marriage, and the other was his faith. Don's life was guided by his faith as he sought to live a life that was consistent with the example set by Jesus Christ.
Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Schmidt; two children, Charity Parker and Frederick (Eileen) Schmidt; seven grandchildren, Benjamin (Bree) Parker, Daniel (Megan) Parker, Miranda (Tobey) Cann, Jonathan Parker, Elisha (Josh) Olmstead, Liam Champion, and Darby Champion; eight great-grandchildren, Brynne, Evangeline, Harper, Persephone, Rembrandt, London, Oaklynn, and Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a daughter, Melody Rose Schmidt.
A Celebration of his Life at the First Baptist Church of Trumansburg will be held in the spring, with the date to be announced soon. The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Don's memory to kindly consider Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Company, EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, New York 14886.