Philip W. Schaefer

Philip W. Schaefer
June 4, 1942 - February 7, 2025
Philip Walter Schaefer, 82, originally from Illinois, a longtime resident of Darien and Norwalk, passed away early on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, from complications due to Parkinson's Disease. He was at the time in residence at the Waveny Care Center in New Canaan.
He and his identical twin, Elmer John Schaefer, were born in Elmhurst, Illinois on June 4, 1942. Their parents were Elmer Philip Schaefer and Marion Pallesen Schaefer, both lawyers, with Mr. Schaefer presiding for many years as a bankruptcy judge in Chicago.
Philip is survived by his brother and his brother's wife, Margo Keeney Schaefer, his sister, Mary Schaefer Hockin and her husband Thomas Hockin, as well as loving nieces and nephews in both Canada and the U.S. Philip is also survived by his wife, Mary Jane Luzzo Schaefer, as well as two children, Annalisa Francesca Schaefer Larkin of Trumbull and Nicholas Philip Pallesen Schaefer, of New York City, Annalisa's husband, Scott Larkin, Nicholas' wife, Jane Pakenham, and three grandchildren, Athena and Diana Larkin and Pallesen Pakenham.
Philip graduated from Northwestern University and attended graduate school in Economics at Harvard University, earning an M.A. before attending and graduating from Harvard Law School. Upon graduation, Phil practiced law on Wall St. in New York City, at Breed, Abbott, and Morgan and, later, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, and Jacobson. He then took a position as in-house counsel for Texaco, Inc. where he worked for many years until he retired. He worked there very happily with many congenial colleagues as both a litigator and a contract lawyer, occasionally traveling to Europe and Asia on international issues.
Philip also enjoyed spending his vacations traveling in Europe, first alone, and then with his wife, and finally with his children as well. These travels were high points of his life, especially as he had a tremendous interest in art and architecture, not only European architecture but also the cast iron buildings in both Chicago and New York. He was a proud member of The Friends of Cast Iron Architecture and once received a letter that addressed him as "Dear Cast Iron Friend." He loved to recount this with a joyous laugh.
Philip was also a baseball fanatic, following his favorite team, the Chicago White Sox. He was also one of the founding members of what is believed to be the oldest continuous baseball rotisserie league in the United States. He also spent many happy years following the Chicago Bulls, with special affection for Scottie Pippen. He devoured newspapers and books endlessly. He also enjoyed running for pleasure, proudly served as shortstop in baseball games with friends, and played a very nice tennis game whenever possible.
After many years of living in New York City, Philip and his wife moved to Connecticut to raise a family. Phil was a very involved father, often volunteering as a classroom parent, in addition to coaching soccer and attending dance shows, musical recitals, stand-up comedy shows, and theatrical performances. Even after returning late from the office, he would find time and energy to play catch in the back yard with his kids-or to read with them, or teach them to play chess, or take them to pick up some necessary art supplies.
As a husband and father, Philip was not only an enthusiastic supporter of his family's creative endeavors but also participated in some of them. He sketched and painted with his kids, especially during trips to Europe, and left behind some lovely paintings. He was eventually drawn into community theater with his wife, performing in plays in Darien, Stratford, and New Canaan, writing plays for Squarewrights of Stratford, and even having one of his short plays performed in a showcase in New York City. While never quite a musician, he took joy in singing "happy birthday" on his coworkers' voicemails, especially after some vocal coaching from his son.
For many years, he composed his thoughts on his many far-ranging interests on a blog called Pater Familias, which was supposed to remain viable until 2029. We are still
hoping to find it again and put it back up. There, he displayed his clever insights and unending enthusiasm for myriad topics, sounding just the way he spoke. In reviewing his blog he was surprised to see how interested he was in Roman roads-a revelation which did not surprise his family. Phil also played bridge, a holdover from his grad school days, whenever the opportunity arose.
He has left behind a legacy of good humor, modesty, generosity, a caring nature, and a passionate love of life. Curiosity and love of learning were constants in his life. If Phil was ever bored, it did not show and he readily sacrificed to help others. His life was one of luminous decency and a brilliance untarnished by arrogance. His family and his friends grieve for his loss and cherish his memory.
A memorial service will be held in the spring. In the meanwhile, if you wish to honor Philip's memory, you may make a donation in his name to Save the Children.
Services are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home located at 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. For online condolences, please visit Gallagherfuneralhome.com