CHARLES SCHAEFER

SCHAEFER--Charles, Valentine III. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles Valentine Schaefer III, a beloved father, grandfather, engineer, entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. Chuck passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol Schaefer; children Carolyn Weininger and Charles V. Schaefer IV; grandchildren Rachael Weininger, Zachary Fitzmaurice, and Katherine Fitzmaurice; and his sister, Lynn Schaefer Bovenizer. He was predeceased by his daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Fitzmaurice. Chuck was born on May 8, 1941, in Trenton, NJ, the son of Lilian Meyer Schaefer and Charles V. Schaefer Jr. He was raised in Ridgewood, NJ, where he developed a lifelong commitment to learning and intellectual growth. He attended Lawrenceville Prep School and went on to Lehigh University, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. True to his lifelong commitment to education, he later earned a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from RPI and studied Finance at the Stern School at NYU. A gifted engineer, Chuck began his career in Connecticut at the Farrel Company, then brought his engineering experience to New Jersey with leadership roles at Aeroil, New Jersey Machines, and ultimately as president of Muller Machinery. Chuck's passions extended beyond his work - he was deeply involved in the arts, sports, and his community. He belonged to the Ridgewood Country Club, the Ridgewood Tennis Club, the Indian Trail Club, and the Lotus Club. He served on the board of directors of the Helix Center for Interdisciplinary Investigation and as vice chair of the Stecher and Horowitz Foundation. He supported the New York Philharmonic, frequently attending patron trips, where Carol served as Patron Chair. He helped build a nationally recognized heart failure program at Hackensack University Medical Center through his close friendship with Dr. Robert Berkowitz, culminating in the establishment of the Heart Failure Fellowship Program in 2007, which has funded 17 fellowships to date. In 2022, the Schaefer family honored Dr. Berkowitz's groundbreaking work by endowing a chair in Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension at HUMC. Chuck was known for his compassion, generosity, and intellectual curiosity. He touched many lives through funding fellowships, supporting the arts and sciences, and engaging deeply with his community. His legacy lives on through his family, his work, and the many people he inspired.