RICHARD W. SCHAEFER Sr.

Karen,Dick,Bill and Rob,
We would like to send our Sympathy to you and your families. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

From my earliest days as a football player wearing the Lancer Blue to the talk I had with Coach just about a year ago at my parents' 50th anniversary, he has remained for me a reminder of the strong foundation that forms my life.
Under Coach Schaefer, the life lessons were many and indelible—and the memories have lasted a lifetime.

The “Bull-in-the-Ring” toughened us up physically; and Coach's expectation of excellence toughened us up emotionally and spiritually (Father Gloninger, Coach Schaefer's good friend and classmate, provided an assist on the spiritual part.)

We were taught to be gentle off the field and ferocious on it. And that is a quality of character that has marked my life and remains with me still.
As a young boy looking up to figures that appear larger than life—Urqhuart, O'Toole, Rigot, O'Neill, Zovko, McGilligott, Caldwell, and of course Coach Schaefer. What a band of brothers…

I remember him pulling me aside as a JV player after I cost us a touchdown with a bad clipping penalty against Our Lady of Grace. Let's say that I never made that same mistake again.

I remember the post-game speech he gave us after the tie against St. Catherine's in the championship game. The gratitude he expressed for our hard-fought effort in an incredible game was out-measured only by our love for him and all he represented.
And of course, I still cannot pass by the 7~11 without cringing at the thought of never standing in front of the store with our uniforms on…
He taught me how to pull on a sweep; he taught me how to double-down on an inside trap; he taught me how to tackle properly and what angle of pursuit to take. And while these little lessons on the field might appear insignificant, it was Coach's precision and attention to detail, his passion and tenacious expectation of excellence that remains with me.

I believe that what showed through most of all was his care for us as young men, always striving to make us the best and wishing the best for us, even long after we put away our uniforms.
I think fondly of these and many more memories that still—to this day—form the foundation of who I am. I will miss Coach Schaefer and I will carry his memory with me.

I smile as I say this—I can imagine Coach Schaefer right now walking through Saint Peter's Gate with a thing or two to say to the man about how to make it a better place. And if that crew up in heaven are smart, they'll listen…

God bless you Coach. And to your family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. My family and I will keep you in our prayers!
Kevin & Carol O'Toole & Family

To the entire Schaefer Family we want you to know we are thinking of you at this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss and we know how much you are hurting. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love, Brent, Vick, Bryndie, Halston and Gentrie

Rob and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will always have memories of St. Sylvester football and the time your dad took to teach us the right way.

Dick, Pam, Cole, Dalton and the entire Schaefer family.... My family and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Patti please have my sincere and deepest sympathies for your lost.

Ed and Jane Haney