Mark Charles Schmidt, 65, a former 911 operator for the City of Bridgeport passed away on Saturday, January 9, at St. Vincent's Medical Center. Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. A Lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Mark was born November 23, 1950 at the same moment as the Central/Harding football kickoff on Thanksgiving Day. Not surprising this led to a lifelong interest in football. He especially celebrated and commiserated the wins and losses of his favorite team, the NY Giants. Mark loved to laugh and make others laugh, too. He enjoyed Don Rickels and Rodney Dangerfield and loved to quote funny lines from many comedies he enjoyed. He was kind and compassionate. He loved little kids and dogs and had a knack for picking out the perfect greeting card for other's birthdays. Mark attended St. Patrick's, St. Andrews and Central High School. He served proudly in the US Navy and later spent over 20 years in public service as an EMS operator with the Bridgeport Fire Department. He retired in 2012. For the past few years Mark had battled numerous medical issues with courage. He has left us too soon but we know we will see him again. Those who loved him will miss him greatly. He is survived by his parents, Dorothy and Elmer Schmidt, his sister Mary Doyle and her husband Gary, his nephew Matt Doyle and niece Colleen Doyle all of Round Rock, TX. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30a.m., in the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call Wednesday morning from 9:30a.m., until service time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, 501 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com