Dr. Edward V. Schaffer

1923 - 2012

Dr. Edward V. Schaffer obituary, 1923-2012, Merritt Island, FL

Edward Schaffer Obituary


Edward V. Schaffer, MD, died October 1, 2012, at home with his loved ones at his side. Born in Staten Island, NY, November 17, 1923, he showed his promise early in life by winning the National Soap Box Derby Championship in Akron, Ohio.

He served the Army in WWII as a private. He always said his service as a private wasn't distinguished, as he served on the special services baseball team. After WWII, Ed graduated from Manhattan College and the New York College of Medicine. The Air Force was his next stop flying as a Dr. and studying the pilots and the effects of extended flight time.

Residency in Orthopedic Surgery was then completed at Indiana University. His practice was centered around Methodist Hospital, Community Hospital and Franklin Hospital.

Living in Northwest Indianapolis, he and his friends would fly out of Metropolitan Airport as well as his farm, "Camelot". This was home to exotic animals, including tigers, guanacos, camels, pigmy horses, zebras, a kangaroo and various farm animals. Ed was an avid golfer, and could be found often at Meridian Hills Country Club. Ed always loved teaching Orthopedics to students at Indiana University. At this era in medicine you were allowed to treat your patients as humans not numbers. It was a gift and there was great joy in helping others.

He retired in 1990, moved to Atlantis, Florida, and soon was found treating migrant workers at the Caridad Clinic in Boynton Beach. Later they moved to Merritt Island, Florida and he worked at the Path Clinic in Brevard County. He was never far from a friend who needed his advice and help.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Mary Jo (Jodi); daughter, Paula (and husband Dusty) Noble of Orlando, FL; daughter, Kathryn Ray Jones of Palm Beach County, FL; and grandchildren, Samantha and Nicholas Jones; son, William J. Ray (and wife Lynette) of Cocoa Beach, FL; and grandchildren, John and Colin Ray; son, Jeffrey Schaffer, is now studying medicine in Cape Cod, MA; Ed's only sister, Ruthanne Kirby, lives in Zionsville, IN; his niece, Mary Ellen, also resides in Zionsville where her children, Anna and Tim, were graduates of Zionsville High; his in-laws, Susie and Wayne Miller of Cloverdale, John and Karen Carroll of Indianapolis, and Pat and Joe Wiley of Avon Park, Florida have contributed so much to Ed's family.

Ed was a very exceptional man and had friends too numerous to mention but never the less, loved.

Ed and Jodi decided to donate his body to Science Care so he can continue in death to aid in his chosen career.

Ed's favorite Charities are: Salvation Army, Covenant House, Caridad and Path Clinic.

Plans will be completed in the near future for a service - A Celebration of Life in Indianapolis.

Published by FloridaToday on Oct. 7, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Schaffer

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Due to my spinal fusion performed by Dr. Schaffer in 1970, I have been able to lead a better life and I am eternally grateful to him for this. One of my favorite memories of him is that he wore his cowboy boots into surgery. He had the best bedside manner of any doctor I ever had! God bless him and his family.

Marty LeClerc

November 15, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our prayers are with your family, so sorry for your loss.

Van & Dianna Moore

October 8, 2012

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

October 7, 2012

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Edward Schaffer's name

Memorial Events
for Edward Schaffer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Edward's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edward Schaffer's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more