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Heaven just got a little rowdier, and a lot more joyful. The family of Kevin Robert Schmidt, of Fredonia is saddened to announce he walked "The Stairway to Heaven" on July 25, 2026 at the age of 61. After a long courageous struggle of ups and downs from his diving accident back in 1983, and his recent cancer battle.
Growing up, Kevin participated in Little League baseball and Midget League football. As a kid, wherever there was a ball being thrown around, Kevin wanted to join in. Kevin was always too small to play high school sports but he sure had the heart and will.
He graduated in 1982 from Fredonia High School. Kevin studied criminal justice and psychology at Jamestown Community College, and earned a Bachelors of Science and Social Work degree from Fredonia State University. Kevin holds a profound practical credential in community leadership. He served for years as the President of the Resident Committee at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, advocate for patient and staff welfare and launched a campaign for local government to create greater and broader structural change. He also worked as a lead generator at Home Depot, and with children with disabilities through the Resource Center.
Kevin was an avid sports lover. He loved watching the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, New York Yankees, NASCAR, and going to the demolition derby's to watch his family. It was a family affair. Kevin could always be found or heard blasting his Led Zeppelin music. Didn't matter what time of day, it would be playing. Zeppelin was Kevin's lifeline, whenever he needed a pick me up, he'd crank up some Zep!
Kevin loved hanging out with his family and friends. Especially his niece Rhianna. He will be remembered for his optimism, kindness, determination, perseverance, and compassion he had for others.
Kevin is survived by his brother Duane Nickerson, sister Lori Schmidt, a niece Rhianna Benner, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Schmidt and Audrey Clemens, a sister Leah Nickerson, a nephew Joseph Rainwater and his grandparents.
Kevin's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kelly McArthur for all that she has done for Kevin.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church; 42 Orchard Street, Fredonia, NY. Interment will be held in Webster Road Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
We will miss you! Forever and always Kevin-Pooh, Smitty Schmidt!!!