Rudolph J. Schaefer III

Stonington - Rudolph J. Schaefer III, of Stonington and Key Largo, Fla., died Friday, June 10, 2011, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Schaefer was born on Aug. 29, 1930 in New York City to Rudolph Jay Schaefer Jr. and Lucia (Moran) Schaefer.

Rudie attended the Rye Country Day School, Choate, Washington and Lee and graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor of business administration. Rudie also attended the Harvard Business School PMD Management Program.

After graduation, Rudie enlisted in the Navy in June, 1952. He served active duty aboard the USS MacGowen DD678 from 1953 to 1957 in the Middle East, attaining the rank of lieutenant JG. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1969.

Rudie married Jane A. Isdale of New Rochelle, N.Y. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Larchmont, N.Y. in 1956.

Joining the F&M Schaefer Brewing Co. in 1957, he later served as president of the brewery from 1972 to 1975. His great-grandfather founded the F&M Schaefer Brewing Company in 1842.

Mr. Schaefer was involved, and worked on many boards throughout his life. He was vice president and board member of the New York School For The Deaf, board member of the United Hospital in Port Chester N.Y., the New Rochelle Hospital as well as L&M Hospital in New London. Rudie was also a board member of the Lincoln Savings Bank and the New London Savings Bank.

A philanthropist throughout his life, Rudie was especially proud of his work with the Mystic Seaport, serving as a trustee in 1975 and later president and chairman of the board from 1983 to 1989.

His love of the sea and yachting, sparked a life long interest in marine art. He was very proactive in supporting many aspiring marine artists. Rudie was instrumental in building the Mystic Maritime Art Gallery at the Mystic Seaport in honor of his father, Rudolph J. Schaefer Jr.

Mr. Schaefer was actively involved in many clubs and organizations including the Cruising Club of America, founder of the Stonington Country Club, Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, Ocean Reef Club, member and commodore of the Key Largo Anglers Club, New York Yacht Club. Former memberships include the American Yacht Club, Larchmont Yacht Club and the Shelter Island Yacht Club.

Rudie is survived by his wife, Jane; son, Rudolph J Schaefer IV; daughters, Martha H. Schaefer, Edmee S. Zahringer, Lucia S. Chase, Greta J. Schaefer; son-in-laws, Charles J. Zahringer and Mark M. Chase. Mr. Schaefer is also survived by his eleven grand children, Alexandra M. Schaefer, Rudolph J. Schaefer V, Helena K. Schaefer, Janie K. Schaefer, Lucia M. Zahringer, Charles J. Zahringer Jr.,Graham H. Zahringer, Kylie S. Zahringer, Frederick J. Zahringer, Max M. Chase, Dylan J. Chase. He is survived by his stepmother, Janet Udall Schaefer; brother, William M Schaefer; and sister, Edmee S. Combs.

He is predeceased by his sister, Lucy S. Pedersen; and daughter, Anne E Schaefer.

A Service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011, at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 27 Church St., Stonington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mystic Seaport, P.O. Box 6000, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355 or Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.