Henry Carter Schaeffer

Henry Carter Schaeffer, 93, of Spring Township, passed away on November 11, 2025 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Born in Branchdale, PA, he was the son of Guy and Florence (Carter) Schaeffer. Henry was the loving husband of Teresa "Terry" A. (Mendini) Schaeffer, with whom he shared 63 beautiful years of marriage.

Henry was a 1950 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School. He then honored his country by serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service he continued his education at Williamsport Technical Institute (now PA College of Technology) where he later served as aviation advisor on the Board of Directors.

With a mechanically inclined mind, Henry built a career as an aviation maintenance specialist. He was certified as a Commercial Pilot and held instrument, single-engine, and multi-engine ratings. Over the years he worked at Reading Aviation Service, Lancaster Aviation, and Marc Fruchter Aviation repairing and test flying planes across the country. Highly respected in his field, the FAA presented him with the prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, one of the FAA's highest honors for aircraft mechanics recognizing over 50 years of dedicated service without incident. He felt personally responsible for every passenger on the aircraft he serviced as well as those on the ground in their path. His dedication to detail explains why numerous clients including Penske Corporation, Tasty Baking Corp., Schoeneman Beauty Supply and countless others followed him throughout his career.

In his younger years, Henry opened Schaeffer Brothers Garage with his beloved brothers, James Paul and Thomas, with whom he shared a deep bond. Side by side they shared their passion working on everything from cars to airplanes and approached every project with skill and the joy of doing it together going as far as rebuilding aircraft components right in their mother’s living room.

Henry enjoyed lifelong learning and the challenge of solving difficult mechanical problems but he felt most at home flying in open skies. Above all, he cherished his daughters, who were his greatest pride and joy.

In addition to his wife, Terry, Henry is survived by his daughters, Lisa A. Fazzino (Joseph), of Bolton, CT, and Maria Medaglia (John), of Birdsboro, PA. He was adored by his six grandchildren: Devon Zangari (Jessica), Brittin Rogers (Justin), Anthony Fazzino (Angelina), Alexander Fazzino ( Sarah Rippel-partner), Samantha Dzen (Daniel) and Stefan Zangari (Madison Zimmerman-partner). Henry also loved his seven great grandchildren: Ty, Penelope, Audrey, Everly, Amelia, Warren, Caleb, with a baby girl due in early spring. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth 'Jane' Schaeffer and Sandra Mendini, neighbor, Judith Holmes, and numerous nieces and nephews. Whether family or friend, all held important places in his heart.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on November 21, 2025 at 9AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions be made to the Henry Carter Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, c/o The Penn College Foundation, 1 College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Edward J. Kuhn is honored to serve the Schaeffer family. Condolences may be written at KuhnFuneralHomes.com.