Write a commentJohn F. Nagelschmidt V, 73, a resident of Minetto, NY, confronted an untimely death April 23, 2017 at his Midway Drive-In Theatre, in a backhoe tractor accident.
He was born in Oswego, NY, a son of the late John F. Nagelschmidt IV (proprietor of Johnny’s Fix-It Shop) and Doris E. (Holcomb) Nagelschmidt, also deceased.
John received his schooling locally through Oak Hill, Fitzhugh Park, Oswego High, and SUNY Oswego, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in education. At this point he moved to the other side of the desk, and started his 30-year career with the Fulton City School District in G. Ray Bodley High School’s Science Department. John was loved and respected by his many students and fellow teachers.
In 1961, while in high school, John started working at the Midway Drive-In Theatre to earn money for his anticipated college expenses. Instead of this being just a job to him, he developed a passion for the facility and soon became its manager.
In August of 1966, John and his wife Judy were married. They managed the theatre together for nearly three decades.
Along with teaching from 1966-1996, he worked during his summers under two previous owners and decided to buy the theatre in 1987, when it was offered to him. The theatre was only 14 years old when he started there, and through the years he tried to preserve its original design, until three years ago when a wind storm destroyed the original screen.
John was predeceased by his sister Donna M. Nagelschmidt.
He is survived by his wife Judith A. (McClelland) Nagelschmidt; two children: Heidi M. Nagelschmidt (a fabulous school teacher) and John F. Nagelschmidt VI (current theatre projectionist); brother George T. Nagelschmidt, and sister Joan L. (Nagelschmidt) Drips; grandchildren Mitchell J. Nagelschmidt and Emily E. Sohoski; niece April M. (John) Eckburg; nephew Shane R. Drips; grandniece Tessa M. Eckburg; and grandnephews Tyler A. Eckburg and Scout River Eckburg.
He is also survived by many cousins, neighbors, and a very supportive community... thank you all.
Contributions in John’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Calling Hours will be held 3:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday May 5th at Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 112 E. 2nd St., Oswego.
Burial will be private, with no funeral service.
Online condolences: www.daincullinan.com
