By the family
Oct. 28, 2024: Richard “Dick” Schmidt passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2024. He was born March 11, 1930, in New York City, NY; the son of George and Hermine Schmidt. He graduated from Princeton University in 1953 and later earned an M.B.A with distinction from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He started his career as a financial analyst with stints at both General Motors and Ford Motor Company before spending six years at McKinsey & Company.
He then joined the Dun & Bradstreet group of companies in 1969 where he spent the rest of his career. He joined as Director of Financial Planning for the Reuben H. Donnelly Corp, concentrating on long-range planning and acquisitions. He was subsequently elected Vice President for finance and a Donnelly director.
In 1974, he moved over to the parent company, Dun & Bradstreet, where he was appointed President of the management consulting division. After an illustrious 25-year career at Dun & Bradstreet, Dick retired as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and Finance and a member of the Board.
He often said that his life truly began when he met his wife, Faith Segui, whom he married in 1958. They were happily married for 65 years and shared a life filled with love, adventure, and a deep sense of curiosity. Together, they traveled the world, enjoyed attending lectures and opera performances, and took great joy in fine dining and watching professional tennis. They cherished the time they spent with their children and grandchildren and were keenly interested in keeping up with all their activities in between visits.
A man of many interests and talents, Dick was an avid reader, a skilled photographer, and had a remarkable aptitude for technology. Even in his later years, he embraced new innovations, often teaching himself through online courses and tutorials. His passion for history was profound—he devoured books on the subject and followed global current events driven by an insatiable curiosity and love of learning.
Dick had an exceptional gift for storytelling, supported by a phenomenal memory. There was never a topic too obscure for him, nor a name or date he could not remember. He would always captivate his audience with his engaging, detailed, and vivid portrayal of events.
He is survived by his children, Julie Livingston (Jack) and Carl Schmidt, and grandchildren, John, James, and Sarah Livingston, and Amber, Aidan, and Abram Schmidt. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral arrangements. His family will celebrate his life during a private internment ceremony at the Bronxville Reformed Church.