Christopher S. Schaefer

Christopher S. Schaefer

Christopher S. Schaefer, 51, son, father, brother, uncle and friend, of Washington Street, Tamaqua, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, upon arrival at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale, after losing his battle to a chronic heart condition.

Born on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1973, in Coaldale, he is survived by his mother, Aimee (Kester) Caputo, wife of Michael J., of Weatherly; father, Samuel W. Schaefer, and his companion, Mary Karen Shoff, of Tamaqua; beloved wife, Jessica L. Duda, their relationship which started as a friendship and became a deep abiding love marrying in 2012; daughters, Madelyn R. Schaefer and Olivia D. Schaefer; son, Dustin E. Duda; brother, Eric M. Schaefer, and his fiancée, Jessica Roddick, and their children, Kinley R. Roddick and Weston L. Schaefer, of New Tripoli; grandmother, Barbara A. Caputo; in-laws, Richard and Linda Duda; many aunts, uncles, a niece, nephews and cousins, as well as extended family.

A 1992 Tamaqua Area High School graduate, Christopher attended Penn State University.

He worked at East Penn Manufacturing for 25 years until his disability forced him to retire.

Relentless, Christopher continued to forge a path forward as an accomplished artist, handyman and talented chef.

He enjoyed cooking holiday meals and drawing at the kitchen table with his daughters.

An outdoorsman, Christopher continued his grandfather Kester's love of camping and fishing, while always on the lookout for that special antique piece of furniture or long lost old bottle. In the back of his mind, Christopher yearned to someday be able to purchase a 1966 Nova like the one he and his father once restored.

Christopher was an ardent Los Angeles Rams fan, and was always available to lend a helping hand to those in need.

He was predeceased by his stepmother, Maryliss W. Schaefer; and grandparents, Donald E. and Miriam L. Kester, Robert F. Caputo and Samuel R. and Nancy H. Schaefer.

Service: Funeral service 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Private interment, Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made in care of the funeral home, 18252. Online condolences or a fond memory of Christopher may be expressed to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.