<div>Dear Neighbors, </div>
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<div>I have the sad responsibility of sharing with you the news that Steve Schmidlin passed away. He apparently died in his sleep last night or this morning. I will make sure to post information about arrangements as soon as such information becomes available.
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<div>Many of you know Steve better than I and will perhaps want to share some memories of him over the coming days or weeks. For those who don't know him, he is probably best know as the owner of the S & J Restaurant and Bar.
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<div>I will just say that I found him to be a very genuine person, who could be depended on. Steve was a lifelong resident of Riverdale and had roots in the town that proceeded him by several generations. He was always happy to do anything to boost our town, and was glad to be working to keep our town center alive.
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<div>Just last Saturday he made the S & J available to Councilman Oppenhiem to host an event to promote the creation of a hiker/biker trail along the old trolley line that runs through town. </div>
<div>Steve told us how he remembered taking the trolley as a small boy with other family members and how his Grandmother was born right here by the crossing. </div>
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<div>My sympathy goes out to all of his family, but most of all to his wife and partner Ziggy. He will be missed by many more friends too. Former Mayor Guy Tiberio was Steve's Godfather and I know that they remained close right up to the end. My condolences to all who knew and now will miss Steve.
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<div>Sincerely, <br clear="all"><br>Vernon Archer, Mayor<br>Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland </div>