Celebrating the life of
John Francis Schaffer, Jr.
March 07, 1937 - August 14, 2018
John Francis Schaffer Jr., 81, passed away in peace on August 14, 2018 surrounded by family in Savannah, GA. He was born on March 7, 1937 in Oswego, New York and lived most of his life in Michigan before moving to Florida and eventually Savannah, Georgia.
He was passionate about his faith and his heritage. He fiercely loved God, being Irish and Catholic, his loving wife of 55 years, and his family.
He was an avid reader, a charismatic storyteller, a writer and an architect. He liked having his hair combed and his back scratched. He was a hitch-hiker an adventurer and a pilgrim. He loved cheap beer, gourmet food, fireplaces and tradition. His faith was stronger than his fear and he taught his family not only to take risks and to dream, but to walk in a line, according to height. Above all else, he taught us to understand that God is love.
He was the son of John and Helen (Nixon) Schaffer. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Alice (whom he affectionately referred to as Ailís) (Welling); eight children, Mary (Chris Beckmann), Elizabeth, John, Matthew (Jaimie Marconi), Peter, Timothy, David, (Amber Scramlin), and Stephen, along with 15 grandchildren, Sophia, Hannah, Erica, Faith, Elijah, Zoe (Brian Gorski), Simeon, Fiona, Johnny, Ciella, Haskel, Levi, Leif, Sam, Alice; a great grandchild, Lorraine (Gorski); his siblings, Sally, (Ed Torba), Susan Page, Patrick (Margaret Lowery), and Timothy, (Angela).
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Helen (David McGrath), and brother in law, Ray Page.
The funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, MI on August 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Following the service, the family will be gathering at Conor O'Neill's from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm to celebrate John’s life and to raise a glass in his honor.
The family asks any remembrances be made in his memory to Unity Acres. (unityacres.org) 2290 County Rte. 2, PO Box 153, Orwell, NY 13426
“I love you, A-lish. Dot. Dot. Dot.”
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Offering our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Schaffer family. May good memories provides solace for your families during these difficult times “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” also “John 5:28,29”.
- , ,
Alice and family - Please accept our sincere condolences and our prayers for you all. We have very happy memories of your time and leadership in Ann Arbor and at Lorien, and we, too valued John's Catholicism and Irish-ness. He lived a great life full of lots of joyful and holy blessings. Slan abaile (Safe Home) Brother John. You will be missed.
- John & Nancy McKeone, Ypsilanti, MI
Condolences from Oswego Our grandmother's were sisters, Irene Meagher and Mary Louise (Mollie) Meagher Rest in Peace Paul Snyder
- Paul Snyder, Oswego, NY
I have never forgotten this man of God who crossed my life path in the 80's and 90's. First, through his mens prayer meetings he hosted at his home by the big fireplace, and later as he and Alice hosted Marriage Encounter weekends at the Lorien resort, and again, he allowed us into his home! It was his example of being a true Christian man that helped to guide me into my relationship with my God today. Condolences to Alice and his family from all of us up north!
- Bill & Mary Garant, Alpena, MI
Sincere condolences to Alice and her family. John and I attended schools together in Oswego. We were one or two years apart but as teammates we won the 1950 Leprechaun League championship at St. Paul's Academy where our names are inscribed on the plaque still on display. I think of him, his sister, Sally,(she and I were classmates since Kindergarten), and his family when visiting my family's gravesite at Oswego's St. Paul's cemetery, which is within eyesight of John's family. Good memories about good people.
- Dan Cavellier, Marietta, GA
John and I were Best Friends in the late 1940's and early 1950's I spent much time at the Schaffer home on East 6th Street and John spent much time at my home on Mohawk Street. We went through St. Paul's Academy together. I still remember John's childhood phone number: 1627R. Condolences to the family and God Bless John.
- William (Bill) Stanley, Burlington, VT
Alice and family, We are deeply saddened by the news and join with you in the knowledge that John is resting in the splendor of heaven, entertaining the saints and angels with his humor, enjoying a pint or three of celestial ale and spouting the verses of Ganga Din. We will never forget our great friend of long ago. God Bless You.
- Michael/Suzanne Watts, Hellertown, Pa
I just came across your passing of your father. You are so fortunate such a wonderful model growing with him. Prayers for him and you and your family. Brian
- Brian McFalone, Caledonia, MI
We knew John from the earliest days of Lorien. John made our experience of both ownership and family vacation one that my family will remember for generations. We will remember all of you in our prayers.
- John and Stephanie Thomas, Hudson, FL
Alice and Family, Yours was a wonderful family to be associated with years ago and John was a rock of faith and easy going friend. Always a smile. Please accept our sympathy and encouragement.
- Rick & Sue Mangan, Ann Arbor, MI
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. He will be missed. Love to all the family. Susan
- Susan page, Parkville , Md
Dear Schaffer Famiily, I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful father, husband, and grandfather. You can see the impact he had just by the beautiful family that he left. Everyone has a fond memory of him, and even after not seeing him for many years the memories still linger and bring us joy, Someday, hopefully you will all be reunited with him in heaven.
- MaryBeth Wilson, Plymouth, MI
I have such fond memories of Alice and John from our youth together!! My heartfelt prayers are being lifted up right now. May divine consolation and comfort from loved ones be with you in your moments of greatest need.
- Rebecca Thomasonn, Wynantskill , NY
Alice and Family, Joan and I are praying for John and all of you. God Bless You, Tom and Joan O'Brien
- Tom and Joan O'Brien, Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Schaffers, You have our prayers, love and condolences . . .
- Deacon Steve & Lucia Thomashefski , Ypsilanti, MI
My sympathies go out to Mrs. Alice and all of John's family and friends. May God's word bring you comfort."And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous."- Acts 24:15
- B.B, , Ga
Dear Alice, Steve, and Schaffer family, We are saddened to hear of John's death. He was a great guy - we loved visiting with him after church when you came back to Lorien after moving from Alpena. A wonderful man with a great family - sending you love and prayers.
- Tom & Judy Hart, Alpena, MI
We send my sincere condolences and prayers!Ralph and Anne
- Anne Martin, Ann Arbor, MI
Your family has our sympathy, though we are assured John is enjoying heaven! Our lives have intersected in various ways for 43 years and we love you all. The noted glimmer in his eye is memorable. We pray God's blessing of comfort for all of you but especially for dear Alice.
- Doug & Jean Mark, Dexter, , Mi
This world is a better place for having had John Schaffer in it. The stories I could tell, the loving way he lived his faith, the fun that he made happen. RIP John. It was an honor to call you friend.
- Janet Holtz, Ann Arboe, MI
I am so sad to hear of John’s passing. Am sending thoughts of comfort and prayers for peace for all the family.
- Karen Valvo, Ann Arbor, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Schafer’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and getting to know he and your family while he was at Savannah Square. He was fun to joke with and see the glimmer in his eye when he was feeling silly or getting ready to tell a joke. May God comfort you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Kathy Megli, Savannah, GA
Offering our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Schaffer family. May good memories provides solace for your families during these difficult times “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” also “John 5:28,29”.
- , ,
Alice and family - Please accept our sincere condolences and our prayers for you all. We have very happy memories of your time and leadership in Ann Arbor and at Lorien, and we, too valued John's Catholicism and Irish-ness. He lived a great life full of lots of joyful and holy blessings. Slan abaile (Safe Home) Brother John. You will be missed.
- John & Nancy McKeone, Ypsilanti, MI
Condolences from Oswego Our grandmother's were sisters, Irene Meagher and Mary Louise (Mollie) Meagher Rest in Peace Paul Snyder
- Paul Snyder, Oswego, NY
I have never forgotten this man of God who crossed my life path in the 80's and 90's. First, through his mens prayer meetings he hosted at his home by the big fireplace, and later as he and Alice hosted Marriage Encounter weekends at the Lorien resort, and again, he allowed us into his home! It was his example of being a true Christian man that helped to guide me into my relationship with my God today. Condolences to Alice and his family from all of us up north!
- Bill & Mary Garant, Alpena, MI
Sincere condolences to Alice and her family. John and I attended schools together in Oswego. We were one or two years apart but as teammates we won the 1950 Leprechaun League championship at St. Paul's Academy where our names are inscribed on the plaque still on display. I think of him, his sister, Sally,(she and I were classmates since Kindergarten), and his family when visiting my family's gravesite at Oswego's St. Paul's cemetery, which is within eyesight of John's family. Good memories about good people.
- Dan Cavellier, Marietta, GA
John and I were Best Friends in the late 1940's and early 1950's I spent much time at the Schaffer home on East 6th Street and John spent much time at my home on Mohawk Street. We went through St. Paul's Academy together. I still remember John's childhood phone number: 1627R. Condolences to the family and God Bless John.
- William (Bill) Stanley, Burlington, VT
Alice and family, We are deeply saddened by the news and join with you in the knowledge that John is resting in the splendor of heaven, entertaining the saints and angels with his humor, enjoying a pint or three of celestial ale and spouting the verses of Ganga Din. We will never forget our great friend of long ago. God Bless You.
- Michael/Suzanne Watts, Hellertown, Pa
I just came across your passing of your father. You are so fortunate such a wonderful model growing with him. Prayers for him and you and your family. Brian
- Brian McFalone, Caledonia, MI
We knew John from the earliest days of Lorien. John made our experience of both ownership and family vacation one that my family will remember for generations. We will remember all of you in our prayers.
- John and Stephanie Thomas, Hudson, FL
Alice and Family, Yours was a wonderful family to be associated with years ago and John was a rock of faith and easy going friend. Always a smile. Please accept our sympathy and encouragement.
- Rick & Sue Mangan, Ann Arbor, MI
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. He will be missed. Love to all the family. Susan
- Susan page, Parkville , Md
Dear Schaffer Famiily, I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful father, husband, and grandfather. You can see the impact he had just by the beautiful family that he left. Everyone has a fond memory of him, and even after not seeing him for many years the memories still linger and bring us joy, Someday, hopefully you will all be reunited with him in heaven.
- MaryBeth Wilson, Plymouth, MI
I have such fond memories of Alice and John from our youth together!! My heartfelt prayers are being lifted up right now. May divine consolation and comfort from loved ones be with you in your moments of greatest need.
- Rebecca Thomasonn, Wynantskill , NY
Alice and Family, Joan and I are praying for John and all of you. God Bless You, Tom and Joan O'Brien
- Tom and Joan O'Brien, Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Schaffers, You have our prayers, love and condolences . . .
- Deacon Steve & Lucia Thomashefski , Ypsilanti, MI
My sympathies go out to Mrs. Alice and all of John's family and friends. May God's word bring you comfort."And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous."- Acts 24:15
- B.B, , Ga
Dear Alice, Steve, and Schaffer family, We are saddened to hear of John's death. He was a great guy - we loved visiting with him after church when you came back to Lorien after moving from Alpena. A wonderful man with a great family - sending you love and prayers.
- Tom & Judy Hart, Alpena, MI
We send my sincere condolences and prayers!Ralph and Anne
- Anne Martin, Ann Arbor, MI
Your family has our sympathy, though we are assured John is enjoying heaven! Our lives have intersected in various ways for 43 years and we love you all. The noted glimmer in his eye is memorable. We pray God's blessing of comfort for all of you but especially for dear Alice.
- Doug & Jean Mark, Dexter, , Mi
This world is a better place for having had John Schaffer in it. The stories I could tell, the loving way he lived his faith, the fun that he made happen. RIP John. It was an honor to call you friend.
- Janet Holtz, Ann Arboe, MI
I am so sad to hear of John’s passing. Am sending thoughts of comfort and prayers for peace for all the family.
- Karen Valvo, Ann Arbor, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Schafer’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and getting to know he and your family while he was at Savannah Square. He was fun to joke with and see the glimmer in his eye when he was feeling silly or getting ready to tell a joke. May God comfort you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Kathy Megli, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
