Hadley, New York - George Schmidt, 66, passed away suddenly at Saratoga Hospital after a long illness on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

Born October 2, 1952, in Manhattan, New York, he was the son of Dorothy Schmidt. George is survived by his many WWAARC and CWI friends who became his family, his housemates and his girlfriend Candy.

George lived at the WWAARC Granview Drive IRA in Granville until a recent move to the Hadley IRA due to health concerns. He attended CWI's Quaker Road and East End Day Hab programs for many years before his retirement. George was well loved by everyone lucky enough to know him and he will be greatly missed.

George touched the hearts of so many people during his lifetime. He was known for his huge smile, infectious laugh and big blue eyes that could light up any room. George was an official greeter at Granview Drive, and could often be found sitting on the front porch, talking to whoever came and went. He loved warm weather and always smiled, closed his eyes, turned his face to the sky and told everyone how much he appreciated the sunshine.

George was a true gentleman. He was a sharp dresser and liked to look spiffy. George was known for wearing a watch, dress shirt, tie and his beloved "ladypants" nearly every day. He liked every button on his shirt buttoned and always made sure his staff fixed his shirt just the way he liked it. George was also quite the lady's man and never met a woman with whom he didn't flirt! He was very polite and never failed to ask how everyone else was doing even when he was very ill. George was "the boss" and liked to make sure that everyone stayed on track through his gentle, though persistent "direction".  He knew exactly what everyone's job was and made sure they did it properly! George was known for calling his male staff "He-Man" until he learned their names, but once he learned he never forgot.

George was a social butterfly and liked to be busy. He enjoyed going out to eat, especially at McDonald's, Pizza Hut and Rob and Deb's for ice cream. Spaghetti and chocolate were George's favorites. He also liked to go out for a cup of coffee or soda as often as possible. When he was feeling well, George could regularly be found shopping, going to concerts, checking out the cars at local car lots, taking a neighborhood walk, relaxing in nature or enjoying a picnic lunch at a cookout. As his health declined, George spent a lot of time watching his favorite "black and whites" on TCM, listening to music and using his iPad.

He loved to eat and frequently helped out with the cooking, especially at CWI's East End Day Hab. At East End, George faithfully watched The Price Is Right every day. He excitedly participated in "letter of the month" activities at CWI and was always eager to try out various foods, outings and projects related to that month's chosen letter. George regularly worked on various ceramic projects and over the years made many decorations for his home.

George proudly carried his wallet each and every day, and was always overjoyed when staff slipped him some extra pocket money. He loved carrying a notebook and usually asked his staff and friends to write a note for him. His "good reports" to Mike Miller were very important to George. George loved pens, especially from doctors, and had quite the assortment. He wasn't shy about asking his doctors for pens and they happily gifted him with more for his collection.

George's staff would like to express how privileged and honored they are to not only have shared in his life, but to have become his friend and family. Thank you to the countless WWAARC and CWI staff who cared for George over the years. A special thank you to Diane, Linda, Mike at Granview, Rissa and Adele for their PT services, the staff at Glens Falls Hospital who cared for George often over the past year and the staff at the Hadley IRA who graciously and kindly took George in and made his last days as comfortable as possible. George, every person who met you became your instant friend for life. Everyone who stayed around became your family.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday November 1, 2018 at 2pm at the Pineview Cemetery in Queensbury, NY.  A Life Celebration in George's memory will take place at 12noon, Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the Warren-Washington ARC in Queensbury, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com .