Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
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.
Memories and Condolences
for KONRAD SCHAEFER
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
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
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.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in KONRAD SCHAEFER's name
Memorial Events
for KONRAD SCHAEFER
How to support KONRAD's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor KONRAD SCHAEFER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
