Kenneth William Schmidt of Blue Point, New York, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 69.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine D. (Gerry) (née Gleason) and Vernon W. Schmidt, and by his beloved spouse, Anthony Lentini.
Ken is survived by his siblings, Sandra Schmidt, Fr. Dennis Schmidt, and Wayne Schmidt (Susan Cahill); his nephew, Daniel Schmidt; his nieces, Kathleen Schmidt (Léon Pradeau) and Grace Schmidt; and his devoted feline companion, Elijah.
Ken was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He enjoyed school and was a dedicated student and lifelong learner. Ken was a proud graduate of Saint Mary’s South Side Catholic High School, following in the footsteps of his father, Vernon. Ken continued his education at Saint Louis University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an MBA degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (working a full-time job during the day and attending classes at night).
Ken began his career with the Social Security Administration in Kansas City, Mo. A few years later, he moved to NYC to advance that career…and, to have an adventure! Ken became a proud “New Yorker” and lived in Manhattan for many years before selling his co-op in Chelsea and moving to an actual house on Long Island, NY. Needless to say, that involved hours of train and subway travel into the city for work every day, a grueling schedule he maintained for years. Ken devoted 40 years of service to the Social Security Administration, rising consistently and impressively through the ranks. He was especially proud to have been called back to service with the public after 9/11. For several months, Ken and other administrators privately counseled countless families in order to quickly navigate and receive government benefits and support in the aftermath of losing loved ones on 9/11. Ken was very well respected in his field, and his career was marked by professionalism, breadth of knowledge and a quiet pride in public service.
Ken looked forward to trips abroad, some of which included Italy, Ireland and Scotland. No matter where he traveled, nothing thrilled Ken more than touring the local Catholic church, chapel or cathedral! His last and most favorite trip was to France, for his niece’s wedding.
Ken was a devout Catholic and throughout his life, sang in many church choirs. He was a Saturday 5 PM mass regular at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Bluepoint, NY, a parish he very much enjoyed attending.
To know Ken, was to love Ken. He was a fun and gentle soul who was always insightful and just pleasant to be with. He loved his family and friends, and dearly missed his husband, Anthony. He never stopped loving the Midwest, despite having moved east to NY. Those who knew Ken will remember his steady presence, dry sense of humor, and appreciation for life’s simple routines—especially those that involved a comfortable chair, a good conversation, and a cat who knew exactly when it was dinnertime.
Ken’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Barnes Jewish Hospital, specifically, The Parkview Tower 12th floor care team; the staff at St. Marys Hospital Rehab; the hospice team at Evelyn‘s House; and all the family and friends, both here and up east (special thanks to RuthAnn Callahan), who called, wrote and visited Ken during his illness.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, 11:00am, with visitation 10:00am at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 3864 Flad Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
Please join the family for a luncheon reception following the funeral mass at
The Old Orchard Gallery,
39 S Old Orchard Ave.,
Webster Groves, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to: Catholic Charities of Long Island (CCLI) or Jen’s Adoptable Cats, Patchogue, New York, an organization that reflects his love for animals and his belief that everyone deserves a safe home.