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KONRAD SCHAEFER Obituary


KONRAD KALMANN SCHAEFER  "Konnie"  July 6, 1937 - February 17, 2015  
Konrad Schaefer, a resident of McLean, VA for 40 years, died on February 17, 2015. He was in his beautiful home surrounded by his loving family. Konnie was born in Romania in 1937. He was a Holocaust survivor who emigrated to Israel after the war, where he served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces and participated in the 1956 war between Israel and Egypt. Konnie moved to the U.S. in 1958 and earned a B.S. in Econometrics from Howard University. What followed was a distinguished career that took his family to stints in both India and Switzerland. His career also included serving on the Federal Reserve Board, working in the Office of Telecommunications Policy in the White House under Presidents Carter and Reagan, and serving as the Assistant to the Federal Communications Commission for International Policy. Konnie went on to found K. Schaefer & Associates, an international telecom consulting firm, where together with partners he initiated international private undersea fiber optic cables. Konnie's last professional role before he retired was as Chairman and CEO of Swisscom North America. Konnie was very athletic. He excelled at soccer and tennis and coached his sons' soccer teams. He also loved sports cars, motorcycles, boating, and skiing. Konnie is survived by his devoted wife Gloria, sister Rivka Arieli, son Robbie Schaefer and his wife Tandy Gustin, daughter Lauren Drake and husband Robert, and son Derek Schaefer. He is also survived by grandchildren Noah, Ethan, Owen, and Claudia. He was preceded in death by his grandson Ryan. Konnie was admired and loved by all who knew him. He was known for his tremendous generosity and his ability to make friends with anyone, and to make everyone laugh. He will be sorely missed. Services will be held Friday, February 20, at 1:45 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes contributions to Capital Caring at 950 North Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 19, 2015.

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Shelley Dunham

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Charlie Schmitz

February 26, 2015

Gloria, Lauren, Robbie and Derek,

My sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to you and yours for the passing of Konnie. He was one of the most memorable people in my life, and someone I will always remember and look up to......no matter what my age. He was a please to work for/with, always the mentor, a true gentleman in the world of international telecom and someone who always left everything he was involved In better than when he started. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Nicholas Koopalethes

February 26, 2015

Sevral years ago I met Mr. Schaefer at a breakfast meeting arranged by a mutual friend. I found him to be warm, engaging, intelligent, and a real gentleman. I was blessed to have met him. My sincerest condolences to the family; may The Lord comfort you at this time.

Art Art Levin

February 25, 2015

Konnie was a special friend since 1964. He was a man one could depend on as a friend and a most treasured companion. He and Gloria WILL remain part of my life

Shirley Wallahan

February 23, 2015

Konnie was a warm and caring person who loved his wife and children with all his heart. One of the nicest person I have ever known.

Deborah Greer

February 21, 2015

A giant among men ... The earth's light shines a little less bright with the lack of your presence upon it. I will remember you well .... but miss you sorely. Thank you for your guidance, friendship , and laughter .

Dave Yarashes

February 20, 2015

I loved listening to every word Konnie spoke... In every language he could speak. An amazing man. My thoughts are with you Gloria and family.

John Williamson

February 20, 2015

Konnie was a very important part of my life relating both to Swisscom and to the North Pacific Cable project. He and his associates at K Schaefer Associates were a pleasure to work with.

Sue Henry

February 20, 2015

My very deepest sympathies.

Linda Davidson

February 20, 2015

Charming, witty, a gentleman through and through. Konnie always had a twinkle in his eye and a clever comment at the ready. He was taken too soon by a cruel disease. Konnie may be gone but he will always be fondly remembered.

February 19, 2015

R.I.P. BROTHER, DOTTIE & LEN PONIATOWSKI

Bill Russell

February 19, 2015

Konnie was one of the most interesting people I've know, but, more importantly, one of the quickest to make a new friend and make someone feel important. Konnie, we will miss you at our annual gathering, but we won't forget you.

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