Gordon W. Schaefer

1944 - 2023

Gordon W. Schaefer, 78, of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, at his home following a short illness.

Born Aug. 3, 1944, in Wilkes-Barre, Gordon was one of two children born to the late Walter Schaefer and Helen Kearn Schaefer.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Gordon was a graduate of the former St. Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1962.

A U.S. Army veteran, Gordon honorably served his country for two years during the Vietnam War. Attaining the rank of specialist E5, he received his honorable discharge on July 21, 1967.

Gordon, affectionately known as "The Schaef," led a happy life with his life partner, Phyllis Savage, who he called Joyce, for over 54 years. They both loved to dance and brought life to every party. He was a father figure to many, making sure studies were done, giving driving lessons and carting everyone around to school and sports.

Aside from his family time, he enjoyed hunting; spending time at Lake Silkworth; telling stories; watching the Philadelphia Eagles; cuddling up with his dog, Peaches; and was known to perfectly draw his favorite cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker. In his earlier days, he liked hanging out at the local beer gardens, Knorr's Café and Bayo's Café, sipping back a quart of Genesee.

Gordon was known for his joke telling and talking about the old days, especially his time as a truck driver for DeFazio Trucking and City Delivery. Gordon "The Bounty Hunter" drove many roads as a truck driver and explored the country. Later, Gordon shifted gears and worked at Owens-Corning until his retirement in 1998.

In addition to his parents, Walter and Helen Schaefer, Gordon was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Novak; and his two stepchildren, Roseann Savage and Darryl Savage.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving family, his life partner, Phyllis Savage, Swoyersville; his stepchildren, Phyllis Caruthers and her husband, Jimmy, Hunlock Creek; Karen Haller, Dallas; Robert Savage, Wyoming; David Savage, Swoyersville; his nephew, Jerome Novak and his wife, Kathy, Wisconsin; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his dog, Peaches.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gordon's viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

A private blessing service will be celebrated Thursday with the Rev. Joseph J. Pisaneschi, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, officiating.

Private interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army.

To share a message of condolence with Gordon's loved ones, visit the funeral home's website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.