John E. Schaefer, Longtime Ocean Gate First Aid Squad Member, Dies At 87

Courtesy of Mastapeter Funeral Home:

John E. Schaefer of Ocean Gate died peacefully at home with his loving family at his bedside recently. He was 87.

Born and raised in New York City, he settled in Ocean Gate 35 years ago. Mr. Schaefer’s father was employed by the government in Henderson, NV during World War II. John graduated from grammar school there. He then returned to Staten Island and graduated from Tottenville High School. He then from New York University with a radio technician degree before serving in Japan with the US Army during the Korean War era.

He worked for New York Telephone for 35 years and retired to Ocean Gate. In his retirement, John dedicated himself to serve on the Ocean Gate First Aid Squad. He also was a member of the Veterans Association, the Republican Club and the Historical Society, all of Ocean Gate.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Cecelia; two children, Thomas Schaefer, and Kathryn Iannaccio and her husband Mark; five grandchildren, Jason Schaefer and his wife Amelia, Gina Schaefer, Melissa Bezahler and her husband Matt, Heather Deman and Jennifer Iannaccio; four great- grandchildren, Billy Doren, Madison Deman, Joshua Deman and Jack Bezahler.

Services were held last week. John was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River. Donations in John’s memory to: Ocean Gate First Aid Squad, P.O.Box 842, Ocean Gate, NJ 08740, would be appreciated.

Image: Patch file photo