Obituary for Charles F. Schaefer
Charles F. Schaefer, 82 of Lake Hopatcong, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Born and raised in Newark, he was the son ofthe late Frank J. and Mary T. Schaefer (nee Rygiel). Mr. Schaefer was a Lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, retiring after 31 years of service. At the age of 18, he was Captain of the Sea Scouts and later became the program director at the Red Shield Boys Club (now known as the Boys and Girls Club of America). Soon after, he served six months on the Newark Fire Department prior to joining the police department. He was an Army veteran.
Charles is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Schaefer (nee Trengrove) of 32 years, his daughter Christine Redwine (nee Schaefer), daughter Grace Vivian (nee Schaefer), and son Frank Schaefer, stepson Brian Rowe, and stepdaughter Jennifer Gaydos (nee Rowe), his sister Susan Schaefer, sister Marilyn Miller, former wife, Grace O’Neill (nee Lexa) and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is predeceased by his brother, Leon Schaefer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.
Charles enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, or tinkering on his many projects. An animal lover, he often donated to various rescues and sponsored dogs in danger of euthanasia.
A special thank you to the nurses at the Regency Grand Nursing Home, who went above and beyond in his care.
Services and burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington and will be private at this time.
When social distancing measures are lifted, a memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to local animal rescues in his name.
Charles is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Schaefer (nee Trengrove) of 32 years, his daughter Christine Redwine (nee Schaefer), daughter Grace Vivian (nee Schaefer), and son Frank Schaefer, stepson Brian Rowe, and stepdaughter Jennifer Gaydos (nee Rowe), his sister Susan Schaefer, sister Marilyn Miller, former wife, Grace O’Neill (nee Lexa) and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is predeceased by his brother, Leon Schaefer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.
Charles enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, or tinkering on his many projects. An animal lover, he often donated to various rescues and sponsored dogs in danger of euthanasia.
A special thank you to the nurses at the Regency Grand Nursing Home, who went above and beyond in his care.
Services and burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington and will be private at this time.
When social distancing measures are lifted, a memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to local animal rescues in his name.