IN MEMORIAM: Richie Schaefer, 81;
Friends Included Foxcare Participants
STAMFORD – Richard “Richie” Ambrose Schaefer, 81, who developed a group of friends working out at Foxcare Health in Oneonta, passed away March 31, 2017, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born June 12, 1935 in the Yorkville section of Manhattan, the son of Ambrose and Hedwig (Duroff) Schaefer. Richie loved being part of rural New York and spent 51 years in the Stamford area.
He was very active many years ago during the summers, coaching Catskill Mountain Little League. He was the longtime coach of The Mets, several All-Star Teams and American Legion Baseball. He was a big supporter of Stamford sporting events and could be seen on the sidelines cheering for both of his son’s games, whether it was soccer, basketball or baseball.
Richie loved to bowl and was a part of Rudy’s Rowdies. They bowled Friday nights at Scotch Valley Ski Resort and being with his buddies was something that he always looked forward to.
Richie was a member of Fox Healthcare in Oneonta, and a part of a core group that visit over a muffin and cup of coffee after working out. These were some of his closest friends.
Richie was a diehard Mets and football Giants fan. He proudly showed off his team spirit in the form of hats that he collected over the years. He was a charismatic man and had a way of talking to people that will be sorely missed. He was a true New Yorker, loved musicals, sporting events and telling jokes.
He married Carole Anne Clift in 1965.
Richard worked at the state Department of Transportation, Stamford, as a laborer for 29 years, retiring in 1995.
He is survived by two sons, Thomas Richard Schaefer, San Antonio, Texas, and Timothy James Schaefer, Seattle, Wash., as well as cousins/ family in Jefferson, Delaware County.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, Hedwig and Ambrose Schaefer.
“A Day to Celebrate Richie’s Life” will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Lewis Hurley Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. Stop by at your convenience, bring your favorite Richie story and a Smile.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Stamford Christmas Feeling Fund, 108 Main Street. Stamford, NY 12167
There will be no funeral or interment at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to: timothyschaefer@hotmail.com