Richard Joseph Schaefer

Obituary of Richard Schaefer Richard J. Schaefer, resident of The Villages, Fla., formerly of Ivyland, Pa., passed away suddenly at his home March 21, 2016. He was 80. He was born in New York City. He was the son of the late Charles Schaefer and Adelaide Eisenbeigler. He was the husband and widower of the late Loretta D. Schaefer (Chrystal) whom he was married to for 51 years. They wed in 1962. Richard was a graduate of Upper Moreland High School in Hatboro, Pa. He served in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan. He was employed by Bell Telephone Company (later Bell Atlantic, now Verizon) in Trevose, Jenkintown, and Philadelphia, Pa. late in his career, Richard specialized in Optical Fiber cable technology and was the regional expert on the installation, repair, and maintenance of the new communications technology for the company. Richard was a passionate sports fan; a 35-year season ticket holder of the Eagles starting in 1962. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and spent his weekends in early retirement following his son in the NASCAR circuit throughout the northeast. He also enjoyed playing golf, bocci, and cards. He especially enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He recently became a proud great-grandfather Richard was survived by six children: Jeff Schaefer (Jackie) of Chelmsford, Mass., Ken Schaefer of Hatboro, Pa., Greg Schaefer (Lisa) of Mooresville, N.C., Roger Schaefer (Sandy) of Holland, Pa., Jennifer Walker (Duane) of Warminster, Pa., Doug Schaefer (Joanne) of Warrington, Pa.; 12 beautiful grandchildren: Erica, Carly, Max, Brooks, Amber, Meghan, Delaney, Allison, Aaron, Riley, Cole, Morgan, and one brand new great-grandchild: Kai; a sister Margaret Sudano and a brother Roger Schaefer. Friends and neighbors are invited to share in Richard's life celebration from 2:00 - 3:00PM Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, 134 N US HWY 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.donatenow.heart.org or 1101 Northchase Parkway, Suite 1, Marietta, GA 30067-6411 Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL