Joseph J. Schafer, Jr

Joseph J. Schafer Jr. age 82 of Utica passed away on Friday January 18, 2013 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Joe was born on October 20th 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Theresa Gaeta Schafer. He was educated in local schools and graduated with honors from T.R. Proctor High School in 1948. He continued his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Utica College and graduated with a BA in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University in 1957. He began his 35 year career at General Electric Co., in Utica NY where he worked in the Aerospace Division as a Senior Supervising Electrical Engineer. His hard work, dedication and integrity made him an invaluable resource to the company and his fellow employees. On June 30th 1951 he married the love of his life Mildred Fanelli Schafer in St. Anthony of Padua Church. For the next 58 years they shared a loving relationship until her passing on January 22, 2009. Beside his family, one of Joe's favorite pastimes was crossword puzzles. He was the best! Joe also liked watching old movies, especially those starring John Wayne. He was happiest at home, spending time outside on his deck while his grandchildren and great-grandchildren played. They loved their "Pa" and he loved them. Joe is survived by 5 children, two son-in-laws and two daughter-in-laws, Colleen and Bill Thomas, Eileen Schafer, Joseph and Donna Schafer, Kathleen and Anthony Pezzulo, and Sean and Thao-ly Schafer; 13 grandchildren, Rebecca and George Cattat, Amy Lynn Thomas, William and Mary Thomas, Maria and Gary Patterson, Kathleen Lounsbury and her fiancAC. Brian Jaynes, Noelle Williams and her fiancAC. Brenton Pylinski, Joseph Schafer, Amanda and Jordan Spell, Matthew Schafer, Anthony, Andrew, and Kayla Pezzulo, Brianna Schafer, and her mother Amanda Hajdasz; 11 great grandchildren, Madeline, Gabriella and Ryleigh Cattat, Kristi, William, Kyle, and Makayla Thomas, Cory and Marissa Patterson, and Alyssa and Lucas Pylinski. Joe is also survived by 3 sisters and 2 brother-in-laws, Diane Carville, Patricia and Donald Yozzo, and Sandra and Mark Arcuri; 3 brothers and 1 sister-in-law, Michael and Marilyn Schafer, Kenneth and Candy Schafer and Mark Schafer; a special brother-in-law Michael Fanelli; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by one sister, Jacqueline Schafer; his mother-in-law Margaret Convertino; fathers-in-law George Fanelli and John Convertino; two brothers-in-law, George Fane

Service

Monday, January 21 2013