Rolland H. Schmidt

Rolland Henry Schmidt, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024. 

Rolland was born in Edgerton, Minnesota, to the late Ernest and Agatha Schmidt and raised in Phoenix, New York. He graduated from Phoenix High School in 1952

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in 1965 and they celebrated 58 years together.

Rolland served in the United States Army from 1956-1958 and spent time deployed in France and Germany.

Following the army, Rolland had a more than 30 year career at General Electric.

Rolland lived and loved drag racing. In 1960, he and a few others founded ESTA Dragstrip. Rolland spent almost every day at ESTA from April to November. He knew everything about the racetrack and how to fix any issue that may have arisen. His passion for drag racing culminated with his 2006 induction into the NHRA Hall of Fame.

In his free time, Rolland enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and an occasional cold Yuengling, watching John Wayne movies and NHRA Drag Racing.

He will be remembered most as a stoic and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. Rolland will be missed immensely by all who knew him, especially his family.

Rolland is survived by his children, Rolland Jr. "Chip" (Cheryl) and Robin (Chuck); his grandchildren Nicole, Colleen (Vince), Peter (Monica), and Paige; great-grandchildren Leah, Owen, Vincenzo, Salvatore, and Mia; sister Carla Carey (Don); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Rolland is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary; his parents; and his siblings, Berdina, John, Vern, and Bob. 

In lieu of flowers, consider to honor Rolland with a donation to D.R.A.W. (Drag Racing Association of Women), "fast help for fast friends" within the drag racing community Click here to donate or the American Legion Post 787 Click here to donate

Please join us at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N Main Street, N. Syracuse NY, 13212 for calling hours on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm, with services to follow.

To share a memory of Rolland or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.