ELMER S. SCHAEFER

SCHAEFER
ELMER S.
Age 84, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4, 2015, after an extended illness. Elmer was born May 27,1930, to the late Elmer F. and Charlotte Orr Schaefer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Marianne L. Schaefer. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Marylou Brown (Lou) and Charlotte "Dolly" Sharpe. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving family including daughter, Sue; son, Paul (Kris); grandchildren, August, Cormac and Eleanor; twin brother, AI (Patty); and many nieces and nephews. Elmer was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Margaret Mary parish in Moon Township. Throughout his life Elmer attended mass daily when possible. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Elmer graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952 and served two years in the Air Force as a Supply Officer. After discharge, he was hired as an account executive for Coca-Cola. He left Coke and began his long career as an advertising executive for BBDO with the Dodge account first in Pittsburgh then Denver and finally Los Angeles, retiring as a Senior Vice President. Through this work he met many people from all over the United States and made many friends that he kept throughout his life. He was admired for his ability to stay calm in the stressful world of advertising but also for his sense of humor. Many people who knew Elmer from work also admired his innate kindness and his love and pride of his family. He also created a somewhat legendary side business, while working in Los Angeles of selling "knock off" watches that still work to this day. In 1996 Elmer retired after a 30 plus year career and Elmer and Marianne moved back to Pittsburgh. In retirement Elmer and Marianne traveled extensively across the United States and in Europe. What they enjoyed most was visiting friends and family. Elmer also enjoyed bowling throughout his life and earned many trophies as a testament to his bowling excellence. He bowled with a faithful group of friends in Pittsburgh until he became too sick to do so at the age of 83. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and loved nothing more than finishing the NY Times Sunday crossword without any "help". He also was a lucky lottery player and at the age of 80 won a large jackpot on the Cash Five. When asked by the media what he felt attributed to this big win he said it was probably because he didn't need anything he was already the luckiest man in the world. Elmer's family wishes to acknowledge with deep gratitude the staff of West Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care that he received during his stay at that facility. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his wife Marianne's memory per Elmer's wishes or to Forbes Hospice of Allegheny Health Network for the compassionate and loving Care both Elmer and Marianne received at the end of their lives with this agency. Friends will be received Friday, January 9, 2015, from 5-9 p.m. in the RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 328 Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA 15143. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Moon Twp.
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