Celebrating the life of
Walter S. Schaaf, Jr.
January 05, 1930 - January 19, 2017
Walter S. Schaaf, Jr., 87, died Thursday, January 19, 2017.
He was a native of Savannah and long-time resident of Whitemarsh Island and the son of Walter S. Schaaf, Sr. and May Driscoll Schaaf.
He retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers and also as Lt. Col. with the 165th GA Air National Guard, where he was Staff Civil Engineer and Commander of the Civil Engineer Unit.
His education included Marist School, Cathedral School, Benedictine Military School, The Citadel, The Engineer School at Ft. Belvoir, Army Intelligence School at Oberammergau Germany and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. During the Korean War, he served as an Engineer Officer in the US Army and spent 5 years behind the iron curtain in Berlin doing engineering and intelligence work. While in Berlin he met Joan Galasso of New York City. After his return to the United States, they were married in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. They returned to Savannah to live and raise a family.
Walter was active in numerous groups including civic, religious, historical, military, engineering, nautical, heritage and social organizations.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Yardley Schaaf.
Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Joan Galasso Schaaf; children, Brenda Schaaf Helmly (Mark), Erika Schaaf Barlow, Karen Schaaf, Christine Schaaf and Walter Henry Schaaf (Nicole); four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren all of Savannah, and brother, John Driscoll Schaaf (Nancy) of Beaufort, SC.
The visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial at the Catholic Cemetery will be private.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Patti, Yolanda and Tedra at Summer Breeze and Mordecai and Monica of Affinis Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Affinis Hospice.
Jw org
- , ,
God bless you all.
- Dave Tate Class of 86, Shelby Township, MI
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Schaaf passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Larry & Lynn Palmer, Savannah, ga
I would like to express my deepest condolences for your loss, it's never easy going through the passing of a loved one. You might take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4 which says God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This scripture gave me hope when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for your family. May the memories you have help you endure this difficult time.
- Jae Mckenzie , Savannah , GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Joan and all of our Savannah cousins. We will remember Cork in our fondest memories.
- The Galasso Family, Old Saybrook and Lyme, CT
To the Schaaf family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Memory
- Memory Zittrouer, Waynesboro, GA
Walter will be greatly missed by the entire community. He was a true and wonderful gentleman. My sincere prayers stay with his soul; they also stay with his remarkably wonderful family especially during this difficult time of loss. Peace, Corky Corcoran Savannah, Georgia
- Steve Corcoran, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Schaaf and girls, I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Schaaf's passing. I am thinking of all of you and praying for you all. My prayer is that your Faith and your many wonderful, happy memories will comfort and sustain you now and always. I have moved to Virginia to be near Katie and her family of four girls, otherwise I would be there to give you all a hug. Please accept my sympathy and love, Jan Daniel Crawford
- Jan Crawford, VA. Beach, Va.
Our sincere condolences to the Schaaf family.
- The Barbiers (Ed, Marie, John, Greg, Emily), Savannah, Ga.
So sorry to learn of Mr Schaaf's passing. My condolences to the entire family, Ms Joan and all the girls and Boom Boom too! Some of my best childhood memories happened at YOUR house on YOUR dock!!! Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much Love and Sympathy , Lisa K Bergstresser
- Lisa Kennedy Bergstresser, Merritt Island , Fl
My love with you guys and to add Summer Breeze and Affinis Hospice.
- Anthony Eric Palpal-latoc, Bay Minette, Al
Jon and I have been under the weather with this cold going around Savannah and just received word of Walt's passing. I will have to say that you all were truly blessed with a husband, father, grandfather, and Uncle who I always considered as "Good as Gold!" We are truly saddened for your loss and are sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you all! With Love and Hugs! Jan & Jon
- Jan Spillane & Jon Erickson, Savannah, Ga
It was a pleasure to work with such a knowledgeable and personable man at the Corps of Engineers. My condolences to the Schaaf Family.
- Kathleen Campbell-Miles, Savannah, Ga
David, Walter and BJ, the dog. What a wonderful friendship between the three of them. My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and the family.
- Bette OLeary, Aiken, SC
We are saddened to hear the news of Mr. Schaaf's passing. Karen, Chris, and family, your father is a part of our Christmas every year when we put out our pictures of the kids with Santa. In 1995, our second son Mike had his picture made at St. Peter's sitting on Santa Walt's lap. They both have such a wonderful smile. We put the picture on display every year with the mall Santa pictures. He will be dearly missed. Praying for all of you at this difficult time.
- Karla D. & Jon Hughes, Savannah, GA
Dear Joan, Ericka, Karen, and the entire Schaaf Family, Please accept my sincerest, heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Walter. What a darling man! The world is a little darker for having lost his light! I shall miss his wit and charm. His absence will be especially felt at all things St. Patrick's. He wore his Irish well and proud. Again, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Jill
- Jill Lepo-Wieniewitz, Savannah , Ga
What a beautiful picture of Uncle Cork! He is a beautiful soul and will forever remain a part of my fondest childhood memories.
- Janet Schaaf, Tybee Island, GA
Prayers to the family on the passing of Pappa Schaaf. Islanders and passerby have missed him mowing the median. It was a weekly sight to see, warmed the heart for many years. Rest In Peace Mr. Schaaf.
- Toni Sumner, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Schaaf was such a sweet and good hearted man.I know y'all are going to miss him terriable. My deepest thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Schaaf and all of his wonderful family.
- Rachel Traub, Savannah, Ga
Deepest Condolences to the Schaaf family.
- Wainwright, Savannah , Ga.
Deepest condolences to the Schaff family -
- Joy , Savannah , Ga.
We just heard of Mr. Schaaf's Passing away. We are so very sorry. He was a good man. My Daughter always called him Papa Smurf. Love to you all. May the perpetual light shine upon him.
- Tommy and Teresa Abernathy, Savannah , Ga
We all really admired Mr. Schaaf. Lots of happy "Tybee Time" memories. Our condolences to Mrs. Schaaf and the family.
- Allen & Katherine O'Leary Lynes & Family, Savannah, GA
So very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and pray that you willl feel Gods love and peace. Sincerely, Terrie
- Terrie Osbourne , Savannah, Ga.
Jw org
- , ,
God bless you all.
- Dave Tate Class of 86, Shelby Township, MI
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Schaaf passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Larry & Lynn Palmer, Savannah, ga
I would like to express my deepest condolences for your loss, it's never easy going through the passing of a loved one. You might take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4 which says God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This scripture gave me hope when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for your family. May the memories you have help you endure this difficult time.
- Jae Mckenzie , Savannah , GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Joan and all of our Savannah cousins. We will remember Cork in our fondest memories.
- The Galasso Family, Old Saybrook and Lyme, CT
To the Schaaf family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Memory
- Memory Zittrouer, Waynesboro, GA
Walter will be greatly missed by the entire community. He was a true and wonderful gentleman. My sincere prayers stay with his soul; they also stay with his remarkably wonderful family especially during this difficult time of loss. Peace, Corky Corcoran Savannah, Georgia
- Steve Corcoran, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Schaaf and girls, I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Schaaf's passing. I am thinking of all of you and praying for you all. My prayer is that your Faith and your many wonderful, happy memories will comfort and sustain you now and always. I have moved to Virginia to be near Katie and her family of four girls, otherwise I would be there to give you all a hug. Please accept my sympathy and love, Jan Daniel Crawford
- Jan Crawford, VA. Beach, Va.
Our sincere condolences to the Schaaf family.
- The Barbiers (Ed, Marie, John, Greg, Emily), Savannah, Ga.
So sorry to learn of Mr Schaaf's passing. My condolences to the entire family, Ms Joan and all the girls and Boom Boom too! Some of my best childhood memories happened at YOUR house on YOUR dock!!! Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much Love and Sympathy , Lisa K Bergstresser
- Lisa Kennedy Bergstresser, Merritt Island , Fl
My love with you guys and to add Summer Breeze and Affinis Hospice.
- Anthony Eric Palpal-latoc, Bay Minette, Al
Jon and I have been under the weather with this cold going around Savannah and just received word of Walt's passing. I will have to say that you all were truly blessed with a husband, father, grandfather, and Uncle who I always considered as "Good as Gold!" We are truly saddened for your loss and are sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you all! With Love and Hugs! Jan & Jon
- Jan Spillane & Jon Erickson, Savannah, Ga
It was a pleasure to work with such a knowledgeable and personable man at the Corps of Engineers. My condolences to the Schaaf Family.
- Kathleen Campbell-Miles, Savannah, Ga
David, Walter and BJ, the dog. What a wonderful friendship between the three of them. My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and the family.
- Bette OLeary, Aiken, SC
We are saddened to hear the news of Mr. Schaaf's passing. Karen, Chris, and family, your father is a part of our Christmas every year when we put out our pictures of the kids with Santa. In 1995, our second son Mike had his picture made at St. Peter's sitting on Santa Walt's lap. They both have such a wonderful smile. We put the picture on display every year with the mall Santa pictures. He will be dearly missed. Praying for all of you at this difficult time.
- Karla D. & Jon Hughes, Savannah, GA
Dear Joan, Ericka, Karen, and the entire Schaaf Family, Please accept my sincerest, heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Walter. What a darling man! The world is a little darker for having lost his light! I shall miss his wit and charm. His absence will be especially felt at all things St. Patrick's. He wore his Irish well and proud. Again, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Jill
- Jill Lepo-Wieniewitz, Savannah , Ga
What a beautiful picture of Uncle Cork! He is a beautiful soul and will forever remain a part of my fondest childhood memories.
- Janet Schaaf, Tybee Island, GA
Prayers to the family on the passing of Pappa Schaaf. Islanders and passerby have missed him mowing the median. It was a weekly sight to see, warmed the heart for many years. Rest In Peace Mr. Schaaf.
- Toni Sumner, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Schaaf was such a sweet and good hearted man.I know y'all are going to miss him terriable. My deepest thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Schaaf and all of his wonderful family.
- Rachel Traub, Savannah, Ga
Deepest Condolences to the Schaaf family.
- Wainwright, Savannah , Ga.
Deepest condolences to the Schaff family -
- Joy , Savannah , Ga.
We just heard of Mr. Schaaf's Passing away. We are so very sorry. He was a good man. My Daughter always called him Papa Smurf. Love to you all. May the perpetual light shine upon him.
- Tommy and Teresa Abernathy, Savannah , Ga
We all really admired Mr. Schaaf. Lots of happy "Tybee Time" memories. Our condolences to Mrs. Schaaf and the family.
- Allen & Katherine O'Leary Lynes & Family, Savannah, GA
So very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and pray that you willl feel Gods love and peace. Sincerely, Terrie
- Terrie Osbourne , Savannah, Ga.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
