Joseph A. Schmitt, 96, passed away peacefully on October, 18, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with his family at his side. Joe was born in Utica, NY, on December 2, 1918, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Urtz) Schmitt. He was raised and educated in the Utica school system. On October 20, 1951 at St. Joseph's Church, Utica, Joe was married to Mary Graf. For a number of years, until his retirement in 1981, he was employed at Chicago Pneumatic in Utica. Joe was a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick's Church, Utica, the Perpetual Adoration Society of the church, the Nocturnal Adoration Society, a 65 year member of the Knights of St. John Commandry # 41, and a member of the 3rd order of St. Francis. Joe was also very proud of his travel time he spent, volunteering on the Adirondeck Scenic Railroad. Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary; his five sons, Edward, George, Robert, Richard, and Joseph F. Schmitt, all of Utica; one sister, Mary Magurano of FL.; two best friends,Thomas Myers and John English. Joe was predeceased by two sisters, Helen and Marion, and two brothers, John and Harold. The family would like to offer their deep appreciation to the Utica Fire Department and the ER staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, for all their care and kindness shown to Joe and the family. Mr. Schmitt's funeral will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 10:15 am from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, and at 11:00 am, at St. Joseph and St. Patrick's Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Whitestown. Calling hours at the funeral home, will be Monday evening from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The Knights of St. John Commandry #41 will hold a Ritual Service at 6:30 pm . For those so wishing donations, in Joe's memory would be appreciated to St. Joseph and St. Patrick's Church.