Paul Edward Schmidt

Paul Edward Schmidt, 58, died unexpectedly at his North Port home on Sunday, Aug. 31. For almost three decades he was the photo editor at the Charlotte Sun newspaper group and the Venice Gondolier weekly paper. Schmidt was the driving force behind most of the award winning photographs that appeared in both papers over the years. During these decades he mentored many young photo journalists who honed their photographic skills under his tutelage and then went on to other publications. Schmidt and his family moved to Venice from the Chicago, Ill. area in 1979. He started at the Gondolier as a part-time photographer and press repairman. Within a year he was appointed the paper’s full-time photographer and eventually photo editor. In the mid 1980s he left the Gondolier and went to work for several years as a photographer for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. He then returned to the Charlotte Sun as the photo editor a couple of years later. Schmidt was a life-long football fan and from day one a passionate and long-suffering supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held for him at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Englewood Public Beach pavilion. His former co-workers and friends are invited. If a storm precludes the beach gathering this coming Sunday it will be rescheduled for the following Sunday, Sept. 14, same time same place. Schmidt is survived by his son, Harlan, chief photographer and reporter at Channel 6 TV in Sarasota; Mallory, a daughter who lives with her mother, Deborah Schmidt, in Sarasota and Mary Auenson, his very special friend. A memorial service is tentatively planned for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice at a later date following cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fl 33607 or the Sarasota -Manatee Association of Riding Therapy at 4800 County Road 675E, Bradenton, Fl. 34211. Farley Funeral Home of Venice is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.