Richard Gordon "Dick" Schaefer

Richard Gordon "Dick" Schaefer, son of the late Edward James Schaefer and Kathryn Clarissa Wilson Schaefer, was born in Washington, D.C. and received into the arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ on January 26, 2026. He was 94. He lived with a strong sense of faith in God, education, and service-values that guided him throughout his life.

Richard attended Gonzaga College High School and later graduated from Georgetown University and Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University. A lifelong learner and contemplative Christian thinker and historian, he was also a gifted writer. During his time in the U.S.Navy and Air Force, Richard wrote extensively for the military, contributing his insight, discipline, and clarity of thought through his technical contributions.

A devout Catholic from a young age, Richard embraced his faith as a cornerstone of his life. He became an OFS Franciscan of the 3rd Order and served through the St. Mary of Angels Fraternity for many years. He lived a very simple life after the model of St. Francis of Assisi. He faithfully prayed the rosary every evening with his best friend and remained deeply committed to God, shaping both his personal life and his service to others.

Richard had a great love for aviation. In 1958, he and his brother Edward co-founded the Minuteman Flight School, now called the TSS Flight School, in Gaithersburg, MD. He flew a variety of aircraft and was a long-time Airline Transport Pilot, instructing students in the Airplane Multi-Engine Land DC-3. He found much joy in teaching and mentoring others as a flight instructor.

Richard was also dedicated to helping those around him. In his later years, he volunteered as a tutor for Growing Together, generously offering his time, patience, and knowledge to support learning and personal growth of children.

Richard Gordon Schaefer will be remembered for his simple devotion to God, love of learning, and quiet dedication to service. His legacy lives on in the lives he taught, guided, and inspired.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Ellen J. Schaefer, his brother Edward Wilson Schaefer, Edward's wife, Mary Jane Hackett Schaefer, and 3 of their children. He is survived by his nephew, Colonel James Schaefer, U.S. Army Chaplain, his wife and their 2 dear children, and his loving niece, Jean Schaefer Turney, a dedicated educator, and her devoted husband and children, Jonathan and Cullen Turney.