FRANKFORT - Mr. Christopher A. "Chris" Schmidt, affectionately known as "Schmitty," age 46, of Frankfort, passed away on Thursday January 29th, 2015. Chris's passing was at his most recent home in Poland, NY. Although unexpected, his passing was a natural cause and is attributed to a history of medical health issues. His mother Carolyn would like to extend her appreciation to all of the friends and family for the kindness offered during this difficult time. He was born on March 22, 1968 in Utica, the son of Carolyn A. (Sobieraj) Schmidt. Chris was a graduate of Frankfort - Schuyler Central School, 'Class of 1985.' Chris graduated high school with honors, played football, and played the saxophone in the jazz band. He went on to obtain college credits at Herkimer County Community College. He was a lifelong area resident and was of the Catholic faith. His working career revolved around the local Hannaford's and the North Utica Price Chopper stores, assisting as Stock Manager of the night crew. As manager, Chris proved his work ethic as he took off his tie and rolled up his sleeves to become one of the crew. He loved hard work but was most recently disabled due to illness. Chris was known for having a tough spirit and enjoyed hearing as much, but he was tender and gentle with animals. He loved the loyalty and dedication of his faithful feline companion friends, Molly, Otis, Fish, and Princess, some of which he rescued and brought back to health. Chris thoroughly enjoyed his most recent hobby of chickens and roosters, of which he patiently raised from chicks. Later, he flooded the family's phones with photos when new eggs hatched. Chris kept family and friends supplied with eggs. He enjoyed outdoor activities, including planting flowers and gardening, especially growing tomatoes to make "Uncle Bert's famous hot green tomatoes." He enjoyed watching football as well, and was an armchair sports commentator, lately sharing many conversations with his football buddy, Irene. His many other interests were inclusive to skiing, golfing, cooking, canoeing, fishing, fly tying, movies, and just sitting and listening to his favorite tunes. Chris mastered the craft of working and building things with his hands, such as his mansion of a chicken coop. He hated waste; someone else's trash was truly his treasure. He is survived by his loving and ever devoted mother Carolyn with whom he lately shared a special bond and her long - time partner Gary Dygert of Frankfort, his sister, Jennifer L. Schmidt and her fiancée Jerry Raciti of Frankfort and their three children (Chris's nieces and nephew) Audrienna, Jeremy , and Stephanie Raciti, his aunt Virginia Clapp of Frankfort and her sons (Chris's cousins), Loren and Nathaniel Clapp, and additional surviving cousins, aunts, uncles, and many special family and very good friends and neighbors too numerous to list but never forgotten. Chris was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, grandmother, also of whom Chris was a caregiver for the last two years of her life, Anna Sobieraj, and her husband (grandpa) Stanley. His funeral service will be held on Monday, February 2nd, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the funeral chapel of The Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort), Ilion, NY with Father Arthur Krawczenko, Pastor of St. Mary's - Sacred Heart Catholic Church of New York Mills, officiating. Interment will take place later this spring at Frankfort Center Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Monday morning prior to the funeral service, 9 until 11 AM. Those wishing to remember Chris in a special way are asked (in lieu of floral offerings) to consider the Herkimer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. This would sincerely honor Chris's love of animals. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. An online note of sympathy may be delivered at www.eneafamily.com His funeral arrangements are under the direction of Funeral Directors, Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, and Martin Ciaccia. (315) 894-8000. "Chris, you loved making people laugh, and were so clever with your quick wit. We will never forget your smile or your laugh."