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AUSTINTOWN -- Daniel F. Schmidt Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at home with family, leaving behind a legacy built on service, craftsmanship, family and the quiet strength that defined every chapter of his life.
Born on July 29, 1935, in Youngstown, Daniel was the son of Fred and Mary Schmidt, from whom he learned early the values that would guide him throughout his life. His impact came through steady hands, a calm presence, and a heart that always put God and family first.
At the age of 17, Daniel enlisted in the United States Navy, eager to serve his country and see more of the world. He became a torpedo man, third class, and proudly served during the Korean War aboard the USS Richard H. McCard (DD-822) destroyer. Life at sea shaped him deeply. The discipline, responsibility and brotherhood he found there stayed with him for the rest of his life.
After returning home, Daniel married Phyllis Ellis on May 2, 1957, beginning a legacy of raising and loving a growing family of three sons, a daughter and later, with immense joy, all of his grandchildren.
Daniel continued (literally) building his life. He pursued a long and accomplished career as a structural ironworker, becoming a proud lifetime member of Ironworkers Local 207. He graduated from the Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Ironworker School in 1959, mastering a trade that demanded strength, precision and courage. Daniel took great pride in the work he did high above the ground, helping shape the structures and skylines that would stand long after the workday ended. He respected the craft, the brotherhood and the tradition of ironworkers.
One of the greatest joys of Daniel's life came in the years he spent working side-by-side with his father, his brother and later, his son, building and operating the American Metal Fence Company. Those weren't just workdays; they were years filled with shared purpose, laughter, problem solving and the kind of bond that only forms when generations of a family build something with their own hands. He took tremendous pride in that partnership.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis Ellis Schmidt; sons, Daniel Jr. and Scott Schmidt; sister, Dorothy (Charles) Ellis; and grandson, Ryan Hofus, whom he now joins in peaceful rest.
He is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Samuel) Blick and Judy (Jack) Proverbs; brothers, Roger and Fred Schmidt; his son, Brian Schmidt and daughter, Marion (Roger) Mayle; and his grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott) Stack, Daniel (Laurie) Schmidt III and Brett Hofus; as well as three great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, who will forever carry his stories, his lessons and the deep love he gave so freely.
Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, OH 44515, with a service to follow at noon.
He will be laid to rest, next to his beloved wife, in the Green Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Canfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the church.
The family is deeply grateful to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and to the dedicated team at Akeso Hospice, whose support and attentive care brought kindness, comfort and peace.
Arrangements for Mr. Schmidt are being provided by the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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