LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Joseph Schmidt upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Joseph "Joey" Schmidt was born on June 12, 1912, in Albany,
New York, to Elsie and Christian Schmidt, having lived his entire life
in Albany; and
WHEREAS, On November 16, 1940, Joseph Schmidt married Theresa Svetlik,
and together they had three children, Joe, Jack and Mary; today, Joseph
is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Joe, Michael, Lori, John,
Alaina, and Brian, and eight great-grandchildren, Michael Jack, Joey,
Ryan, Jakob, Thomas, Reed, Christopher, and Luke; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Schmidt was employed with the New York Central Rail-
road, the Watervliet Arsenal, and, at the age of 90, retired as a
consultant and salesman after 58 years of dedicated service to Blanchard
Industrial Supplies; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Colonie Elks-BPOE No. 1492 for 33 years,
Joseph Schmidt also served as Parish Council member and usher at Our
Lady of Angels in Albany, where he was a life-long communicant until it
closed; in addition, in 2007, he was named an Honorary Fireman by the
West Albany Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1926, Joseph Schmidt started as a pin boy at West End
Presbyterian Lanes in Albany; from 1957 through 2003, he served as
Director of the Junior Program at Latham Bowl; and in 1963, he estab-
lished the Capital District Junior Traveling League and served as its
first president and "guiding light" for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Schmidt retired in 1996 from league bowling after 68
years as a league member; throughout those years, this remarkable man
was considered one of Albany's leading bowlers; and
WHEREAS, He was named "Bowler of the Half Century" by the Albany Bowl-
ing Association; and was elected: Charter member of the Professional
Bowler's Association Bowling Hall of Fame, New York State Bowling Asso-
ciation Hall of Fame, and Troy Bowling Association Hall of Fame for
"Service to Youth"; he also qualified for 10 appearances on "TV Tourna-
ment Time"; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Schmidt has experienced the incredible joys and
sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and
courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, He has enriched the lives of those around him through his
joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and
wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Joseph Schmidt upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday at a party to be held in his honor on Sunday, June 3, 2012; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Schmidt.