Martin T. Schmidt of Rockville Centre and South Jamesport died Sept. 5, 2026. He was 81 years old.
Born July 26, 1945, in Rockaway Beach, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran. He worked in the communications industry, serving in various capacities at Bell Telephone, AT&T and Verizon in roles ranging from engineering to research. A 50-year member of the Hewlett Bay Park Volunteer Fire Department, he served as an officer of the exempt association and maintained his commitment to community and public safety throughout his life. He became a strong advocate for blood donation after the loss of his daughter Amanda; as a blood donor himself, he was a member of the New York Blood Center’s “10-gallon club” and continued to advocate for blood donation throughout his life. His family said he brought intensity to his three greatest passions: golf, ice cream and family.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Amanda; his parents, Frank and Ann Schmidt; his brother, Frank; and his sister, Patricia. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Schmidt; his son, Eric Schmidt of South Jamesport; his daughter, Holly Redmond (Jim) of Littleton, Massachusetts; two grandsons; his sister, Faith McDougal (Steve) of Levittown; Carol Schmidt of Valley Stream; his mother-in-law, Alberta Weisberg of Vero Beach, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The liturgy of Christian burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jamesport Fire Department and the American Cancer Society.
