Joseph Schmidt, Jr Memorial Page
In lieu of flowers, the family of Joseph Schmidt, Jr is requesting donations to be made to Beat the Streets Cleveland.
Born in 1931 in Gara, Hungary, Joseph lived experienced and survived the Russian occupation and World War II in war-torn Europe. As a kid, he grew up playing soccer and later volunteered to join the United States Army. He played professional soccer for the United States Armed Forces and served his adopted country as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. It was ultimately his athletic ability and proven work ethic that provided him an avenue to establish United States citizenship and create a new life in America. Upon arriving in New York, he and his wife, Gerti, began driving and would settle in Cleveland. They would remain in the Cleveland area for the entirety of their lives, where they would go on to raise their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom have gone on to participate and compete in the grappling arts of judo, sambo and wrestling, along with many other sports.
Joseph was always an avid fan and supporter of youth sports, and dedicated his time to making sure to be at every event possible. Although he did not wrestle, he truly exemplified what a warrior spirit looked like throughout his lifetime.
It is in memory and honor of Joseph’s warrior spirit that we are requesting donations to Beat the Streets Cleveland, a non-profit organization that strives to offer and expand athletic, academic and personal growth opportunities to the youth of Cleveland and the surrounding areas through the sport of wrestling. It is through your generosity that they are able to serve Cleveland kids and their families, offering practices, transportation, clothing, equipment, academic and accountability assistance, college and job connections, amongst many other services. Reading anything he could, and having the ability to speak and understand 5-7 languages, Joseph was always a proponent for a lifetime of continual education, formal or informal, and in any realm of academics, athletics, or personal growth. The mission and actions of Beat the Streets Cleveland reflects what meant the most to him, and therefore, we ask for your support of this organization during this time.
“We never know how far-reaching something we may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”
- B.J. Palmer
With love and many thanks,
The Family of Joseph Schmidt, Jr
Written by Christina Schmidt, DC
- Granddaughter of Joseph Schmidt, Jr
- Head Girls Wrestling Mentor-Coach at Beat the Streets Cleveland