Charles Alder Schafer

Charles Alder Schafer, age 76, of Malden, MA, passed away on September 29, 2023, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on November 10, 1946, in Washington DC, to Charles and Eleanor Schafer. Charles, also known as Chip to his childhood friends and Charlie to those who knew him later in life, grew up in Annandale, Virginia.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Charles joined the Navy and served as a radio technician in Viet Nam. Following his time in the Navy, he pursued higher education at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where he majored in philosophy. Charles was selected for a prestigious opportunity to study abroad at Oxford University in England for his junior year.

Settling in Malden, Massachusetts, Charles spent the remainder of his life in the community he came to call home. He worked as a computer application specialist at Mystic Valley Elder Services until his retirement in 2022. Charles was highly regarded by his colleagues and will be deeply missed by his work family.

In his leisure time, Charles was an avid reader with a particular love for science fiction and fantasy literature. He was a devoted fan of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" series, even before they were available in print in the US. Charles also worked part-time at a bookstore in Cambridge for many years, indulging his passion for books. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of tea, coffee shops, and occasionally indulging in a good wine. Charles was a regular patron of various local Malden restaurants and held a strong affinity for women's soccer.

Charles is survived by his sister, Margaret Schafer Ward of Warrenton, Virginia, as well as two nephews and five great-nieces and nephews. In honor of Charles's memory, donations may be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services at 300 Commercial St, #19, Malden, MA 02148, or online at www.mves.org/donate.

A memorial service to celebrate Charles Alder Schafer's life will be planned for a later date.