Robert Schmidt, age 85, of Erie, died Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the VA Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born July 21, 1924 in Erie, a son of the late Harold and Ruth Palmer Schmidt. He had retired from Seaway Electric and also worked at Trico Electric. He was a life member of East Erie Turners.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia F. DiMarie Schmidt and two sisters, Virginia Lichtinger of Erie and Henrietta White of Buffalo, NY. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 until the time of prayers there at 8:30 pm. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund, 915 State St. Erie, PA 16501. To send condolences visit www.orlandofuneralhome.com .