Denise Marie Schmid

Denise Marie Schmid, 78, of Deltona, FL, passed away on March 8th, 2025, at the Bailey Center for Caring in St. Augustine, Florida. Born on May 14, 1946, in Hempstead, NY, she was adopted as an infant and raised by William J. Schmid and Madeleine E. Schmid (Dutot). Denise spent the first 40 years of her life in Long Island, NY, where she excelled in her studies at Amityville Memorial High School and in the areas of performing arts, most notably at her dancing school, Swoboda Dance Studio. Denise was even chosen out of all the students to grace the cover of her dance recital pamphlet alongside her teacher, highlighting her talent in dance, particularly ballet. Her friends and family could always find her singing, dancing, or playing the piano, entertaining an audience whenever possible. When not performing on stage, Denise often enjoyed boating with her father in the canals of Long Island and soaking up the sun on the beach. She was also an incredible artist, favoring paint on canvas as a medium for her beautiful landscape artwork. Denise always had a calling to help others. She first achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University in 1968, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1975. Working mainly in hospitals, she held the honor of being the first female hired by the Lindenhurst Fire Department of Suffolk County in 1976. Denise was fortunate to be employed by Grumman in the 1960s during the launch of the Apollo Space Program, recognized for her work with the team that helped put the first man on the moon. After relocating to Brevard County, FL in 1986, Denise would expand upon her education with a Paralegal degree from Keiser University in 1996. She continued working in nursing, including home health care, until retirement. Denise is survived by her children, son Christopher Negretti (Cagun) and daughter Robyn Harbison, her niece Nancy Friel (Patrick) and nephew William L. Schmid (Heidi). She was preceded in death by her parents, brother William A. Schmid and sister-in-law Marilyn Schmid. A private service will be held at St. John’s Family Funeral Home, followed by a memorial ceremony for additional friends and family in Indian Harbour Beach, FL to be held in April. The family is requesting financial assistance with end-of-life expenses in lieu of flowers. Search her name on GoFundMe if you would like to donate in Denise’s honor. https://gofund.me/589d634f.

Denise Marie Schmid

May 14, 1946 - March 8, 2025