Richard Neal Schaeffer, 88, of Eustis, FL passed away Tuesday morning, September 29, 2015 at Florida Hospital in DeLand, FL.
Richard Schaeffer was born November 7, 1926 in Orange City, FL where he lived and grew up as a boy. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Samuel N. Moore and USS Fieberling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He settled in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1946 where he married Kathryn Ray Abbott and raised his family. He worked for Florida Power and Light as a linesman and foreman from 1952 until his retirement in 1989. He moved back to central Florida in 1973, in Lake County, Pine Lakes where he lived until his passing.
Richard was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathryn Ray Schaeffer in 2004. He is survived by his three sons, Richard Neal Schaeffer, Jr. of Pine Lakes, FL, Michael Eugene Schaeffer of Orange City, FL, Paul Daniel Schaeffer of Altamonte Springs, FL and daughter Gayle Elizabeth Tantone of Ava, MO; and his 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Richard was beloved by his large and extended family and many long time friends. He will be very missed by many.
Military honors will be presented at 11:30 AM on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, 33513 .
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. What an amazing man he was, I’ll be sending prayers in your time of loss.
My deepest sympathy to family. Dick and Kathryn are big parts of my childhood memories and I am so saddened at the loss. I loved them both. Pray that God comforts all.
I am honored to say Richard is my father-in-law/Dad! he spent the biggest part of 20 years “being there” for me. Will and do miss him and all his understanding and kindness. I had told him and Kathryn “I couldnt have found better in laws had I mail ordered them!” I meant every word! I love them dearly couldnt find kinder loving better people walking this earth! I Love them from my the bottom of my deepest being!My they both rest together for eternity!!
My prayers to all the family. I have many fond memories of Mr Schaefer he will truly be missed.
He may have not been my biological grandpa but he was family. The nicest man I have ever known, even when he was upset I have never seen it. He was always a joy and inspiration to me, to always be at your best when you are not. I am happy and proud to have known him and have him in my life. It saddens me that he has passed on but now he is with his wife once again and they can be happy together wherever they are. I will miss him.
To the family..our deepest condolences to all of you. May the peace of the Lord get you through this hard time. Your dad gave us so much joy in many ways. Popeye still calls “grandpa”. He will be missed for sure♡
Had only met Mr. Schaeffer one time , but the stories he told and talked about were so cool…Will have all of his family in thoughts.
So sorry for your loss.Will be praying for God to comfort you.
My prayers for peace and comfort to the family!!!!!
Was a great man will be missed by many my deepest condolences to the family , I have a lot of fond memories in that yard as a child so so sorry
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I spent the better part of my childhood calling him grandpa. I was not biologically related but never once did he make me feel any differently. I am very blessed to have memories to carry with me. My heart breaks for the family. My love and prayers are sent to each and everyone.
The world is a much better place because of the kindness and love lived regularly by Dick and Kathryn.
My heartfelt condolences and love sent to the family.
It was my pleasure to have known and worked with Dick. He was a fellow Florida Power and Light Co lineman and a fellow Navy vet. My condolences go out to his family. I’m sure he will be missed by all who knew and cared for him.
Linda and I are sadden by this loss.Dick and Katherine were important in my teen years as I spent a number of summers with them and my other Schaeffer Cousins. My condolences to Ricky, Mike, Gale and Danny. I apologize for not being able to be there in the 16th. We will be out of town in Va. visiting our children Todd and his family.
Bless you all. He will be missed!
Fair winds and following seas to an American hero. Your next duty station at Heaven’s gates is a just reward for duties well performed. Stand down and rest in peace. May your family find peace knowing you are with the Lord.
Dick was a good man. He made the world a better place for all those that knew him. He will be missed.
So very sorry for the loss. I have fond memories of Dick and Kathren. So appreciated his telling me the story of how my father felt when I was born. I remember both their laughs.
Being a proud veteran myself,I thank you for your service and may we meet in heaven.Patricia(Franks)Watson(USAF).