Joseph Schaefer

1934 - 2023

Joseph Schaefer
November 24, 2023
On November 24th, 2023, Joseph Schaefer, known affectionately to his loved ones as "Papa" entered into eternal rest.
He began the first chapter of his life as a Roman Catholic priest for almost 20 years, taking pride in guiding his community. Soon after, he fell in love with his best friend and partner Joan, the woman who would help him write the next and best chapter. Together, they raised three children, as well as four grandchildren and Joe started a position working for the City of West Haven for almost 30 years, continuing to serve his community even after leaving the priesthood.
Joe was a man of many interests, but he loved nothing more than his family. From personally curating antique collections for each of his children to teaching his grandchildren how to bodysurf in the Rhode Island waves, he was always looking for ways to share his passions and wisdom with those who were special to him. He also loved to put a smile on the face of everyone around him, especially those of his grandchildren. There are only so many times you can consecutively put a whoopie cushion on someone's chair before they catch on, but Joe always let the kids think that they had tricked him yet again. Joe was also a proud Russian immigrant (he was not, but he certainly fooled everyone at Saint Clare church in Misquamicut into thinking so during one church service).
Joe was an avid antique collector, specializing in clocks. He frequented clock shows as often as he could until he was no longer able to travel for them. Each winter, he loved to make maple syrup for his friends and family, much to the chagrin of his wife whose kitchen he monopolized during the sap boiling process. Joe would always keep a sharp eye out for good maple trees during this time, even going as far as to ask permission from friends and strangers alike to tap their trees with the promise of a fresh bottle of syrup in return. One constant throughout Joe's life was his love for humanity and his sense of justice. He frequently partook in volunteerism and protests and always endeavored to make the world a better place in any way that he could. He used his affinity for languages to expand his efforts to many people, with a special focus on the Spanish-speaking community. It was important to Joe to spread love and care to all, and to make everyone feel at-home around him. He was always proud to do good in the world, and leaves behind a legacy of honor, kindness, and selfless love.
Joe is survived by his son Matthew (Patrizia) Schaefer of Wallingford; daughter Carol (Collin) Bradt of Ft. Meyers, Florida; and son Michael (Stacey) Montanaro of North Haven; as well as four grandchildren: Michael Montanaro, Jr., Francesca Zuppardi, Christian Schaefer, and Aidan Schaefer. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ana (McCaffrey) Schaefer; his beloved wife Joan (Zito) Schaefer; and brother George and sister Mary Schaefer. Arrangements were entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 10, from 3 to 6 o'clock. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Martin of Tours Parish, St. Joseph Church in Canaan, CT on Monday, December 11, at 10 o'clock. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery of North Canaan. You may offer an online condolence by visiting www.westhavenfuneral.com