John Leroy Schmidt, Sr.

John Leroy Schmidt Sr., 91, of Frederick passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Kline Hospice House in Mt. Airy, Maryland on September 1, 2026. Born on August 25, 1935, in Hagerstown, Maryland, He was the son of the late John H. Schmidt and Mary (Wingert) Schmidt.

John was a graduate of Frederick High school in 1955 where he played football and earned numerous gold medals in track and field. During his athletic tenure, his outstanding track and field performance gained him the title of the “fastest man” in the State of Maryland. Alongside his academic accomplishments, he was a member of the Salvation Army Church and later joined the Centennial United Methodist Church in Frederick.

Following his graduation in 1955, John enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served as an airman until his honorable discharge in 1959. While serving in the USAF, John was awarded the USAF Good Conduct Award and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

After leaving the Air Force, John devoted 31 years to the service of his hometown as a career firefighter and paid engine driver for Frederick County Fire and Rescue. After retirement, he continued to serve as a volunteer and became a life member of Independent Hose Company #1, Junior Fire Company #2, Walkersville Fire Company #11, and Citizens Truck Company #4. Alongside his devotion to the Frederick County Fire Service, John worked for 30 plus years at Wachter Brothers and over 20 years on the grounds crew for the Great Frederick Fair. Outside of serving his community, John was an avid golfer, softball player, a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins, and an active volunteer for the Salvation Army of Frederick for many events. In addition to his many hobbies, what John enjoyed most of all was getting to spend time with his grandkids, great grandkids, and his loving family.

John is survived by his wife and best friend of 69 years, the love of his life, Barbara T. Schmidt. His two children, Vickie Cupp of Hagerstown, John L. Schmidt Jr. and wife Terri of Frederick. His Grandchildren Terra Schmidt and fiancé Jordan Pierce of Martinsburg, Ryan Fish and wife Ashley of Martinsburg, and Jonathan R. Schmidt of Delaware. His great grandchildren Kash and Paisley Pierce of Martinsburg, Michael and Aubrie Fish of Martinsburg, Paige and Morgan Schmidt of Delaware. John is also survived by his Sister Nancy Grant and Husband Donald of Thurmont, his brother Jimmy Schmidt and wife Susan of Frederick, Shirley McThenia and Husband Roger of New York, Carlene and Husband Lutz Baugher of Arizona, and many special nieces, nephews, family friends who were very near and dear to him. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Jeff Scire and the volunteers of the Independent Hose Company #1 who donated their time to give Big John one final ride to the Klien Hospice House, and the brotherhood of first responders whom John kept very close to his heart.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Scire, Mike Ambrose, Rodney Masser, Scott Morgan, Brian Grossnickle, and Matt Wiles.

His family will be receiving visitors on Tuesday September 8, 2026, at Keeney & Basford funeral home 106 E. Church St, Frederick, Maryland 21701 from 4pm to 7pm. A second visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 11am until the start of the funeral at 12pm. Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum 515 S. Market St Frederick, Maryland 21701 following the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Independent Hose Company #1 (310 Baughmans Lane, Frederick, Maryland, 21702) in memory and honor of their brother John “Sunshine” Leroy Schmidt Sr.