Eugene “Gene” Perley Schmidt
August 12, 1946 – August 27, 2021
DURHAM, NC: Eugene “Gene” Perley Schmidt, formerly of Bardonia, New York, passed away suddenly Friday morning at age 75. He was born in St. Albans, Vermont, the youngest of three children to Albert T. “Ted” and Evelyn L. (Perley) Schmidt who raised their family in Enosburg Falls until moving to West Nyack NY in 1952.
Gene resided in Rockland County for 62 years, graduating from Clarkstown High School (’64). He graduated from Paul Smith’s College with an A.A.S. (’67) before completing his B.S. in Forest Management at NCSU (’69). He served in Vietnam (’69-’71) in the U.S.M.C. and was honorably discharged as a SSgt in 1977.
Serving was an important part of Gene’s life. He was sole proprietor of Bardonia Landscape and Tree Service, an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River, Past President of the West Nyack Lions Club, and Master Gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Gene continued his desire to serve by volunteering as a Tuesday Garden Rover and Tour Guide at J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. Within his community at Carolina Arbors, he was a member of the Landscape Committee, Veterans Club, Hiking Club, NY Club, and Garden Club. Gene was instrumental in creating the Landscape Volunteers, which improved the appearance and safety of his community.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Roberta, his son Gregory and granddaughter Kelsieanne; his daughter Kristin (Jason) Malone and granddaughters Cordelia and Cecilia; his sister Anne Marie (Jeff) Reider; his brother Albert T. Jr. “Buddy” (Charlene) and their children Deron (Sasha) and Tracey (Bob) Oravec.
Visitation will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home at 7209 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh, NC on Friday, September 3rd from 6-8 pm, with a service on Saturday, September 4 at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to J.C. Raulston Arboretum (919-513-7068) or https://jcra.ncsu.edu/support/
