Brent was the first of 5 children born to Annette and Jacob Schmidt in 1941. He attended Chicopee schools until taking a job working construction for his uncle, as well as being employed by Shurfine Foods. Somewhere along the way, his sister's best friend Dianne, caught his eye and they began dating. They married in 1963, and with great joy, had their daughter Deserie in 1964. At that time, his uncle's business and family were relocating to Idaho. Though Brent and Dianne were invited to relocate with them, they opted instead to purchase Jake's Dairy Bar from his father, and together with his new wife, grew it into a very successful restaurant in Willimansett. They then built their dream home and moved to South Hadley in 1965.

Brent had big dreams and a few years later opened Village Cue Billiards at the Y in Willimansett which was quite successful until it was taken by eminent domain. Not to be dissuaded, Brent then secured a spot for a second restaurant in the newly constructed Fairfield Mall, and opened with a flourish in 1975. Still looking to grow, they opened 2 smaller sandwich shops in both the Holyoke Mall and the Hampshire mall, as well as being co-owners of Mel's restaurant in Holyoke for 2 years.

Brent and his wife, Dianne enjoyed antiquing in what little spare time they had and he quickly acquired large collections of Coca Cola memorabilia, painted label soda bottles, cigarette lighters, coffee tins and stoneware bottles. However, his passion was milk bottles and he eventually sold all the rest and became an avid and well-known milk bottle collector. He self published a Massachusetts Milk Bottle collector's pictorial price guide around 2001,and dedicated it to his grandfather and father who were both milkmen for many years. More than all these things, Brent adored his family and lit up anytime they were around him. It was by far his greatest joy. He became "Papa" to all and was loved so very much.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Dianne (Maspo), his cherished daughter Deserie, and favorite son in law Carl Scheinost. He also leaves his 5 grandchildren, Tyler Scheinost (Erikka), Travis Scheinost (Joanne), Carly Scheinost (Darren), Lindsay Anischik (Alan), and Rhiannon Ritter (Justin) as well as his 8 great-grandchildren, Madison and Spencer Scheinost, Cecilia and Vaeda Blake, Joey Stefanelli, Francesca and TJ Scheinost and their baby sister. He also leaves 3 sisters, Dale (King), Dawn (Robiaille), and Darla (Rivest). He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Bradd.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St Jude's Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org. Calling hours are Thursday 8/10/23 at O'Brien's Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley from 4-7pm. Funeral will be private. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.