Thomas D. Schmitt

Thomas Donald Schmitt, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Tom is survived by his wife, Cindy Schmitt; 3 Children, Brad (Stacy) Schmitt, Jen Schmitt-Cartwright and Mike (Amanda) Schmitt; 12 grandchildren, Zach (Ashley) Schmitt, Josh (Sammy Jo) Schmitt, Ashlee (Kaden) Mills, Ally Warren, Joseph Warren, Samuel Warren, Jess Cartwright, Audrey Cartwright, Bella Schmitt, Lizzy Schmitt, Amelia Schmitt and Mike “Mikey” Schmitt; 6 great-grandchildren and the 7th (a boy) on the way, Zander Schmitt, Lennox Schmitt, Jace Schmitt, Isla Schmitt, Blakelee Mills and Charlee Mills; brothers, Bob Schmitt and Jim Schmitt; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom also had two Godchildren, Bob Schmitt and Susan Kruk. Tom was very proud to be called Husband, Father (Dad), Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Godfather, Uncle and Cousin. Family was everything.

Preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marge Schmitt; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Kay Schmitt; sisters, Donna Meiferdt and Kathy Cumpston; foster brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Kathleen Kruk.

Tom completed his elementary school at St. John's Catholic School. He was a Boy Scout for many years, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and recognized as the youngest Eagle Scout in the State of Illinois at the time of his induction. He graduated high school from Joliet Catholic Academy in 1968 where he had achieved many awards in wrestling and represented Joliet Catholic at multiple state competitions. He also completed 3 years at Lewis University majoring in Marketing. The memberships and clubs that he belonged to were the Northwest Recreation Club, Goose Lake Association (where he served on the board of directors) Moose Lodge, and the Knights of Columbus (where he served on the council board and achieved a lifetime membership status). He also headed and volunteered at the bingos for the Goose Lake Club, Morris Moose Lodge and Knights of Columbus for more than 30 years.

Tom worked at Durkee Foods for more than 25 years. During these 25 years Tom completed various electrical, electronic and pneumatic courses through Joliet Junior College acquiring the status of Industrial Electrician, AOV Tech and Pneumatic Specialist. After leaving Durkee Foods Tom worked as an independent agent working nuclear plant outages across the country and Mexico. It was his specialty in pneumatics that landed him a job at NASA working on the oxygen for the astronauts on the space shuttles. He was involved in 2 launches, one with Discovery and the second with Endeavour. The launch with Discovery was the first female commander on any launch. Tom was extremely proud of that.

Tom will be known and missed for his many Tomism's, a great campfire, rides on the lawn mower, playing Euchre, his love for the Blackhawk's and White Sox's, memories with his family and friends, and always having a great time.

A private memorial for family and friends will be held at the Knights of Columbus on Infantry Drive in Joliet, IL on July 8, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Gary Sinese Foundation which was Tom’s favorite charity.