Obituary for Robert "Bob" A. Schaeffer
Robert “Bob” Alexander Schaeffer, 96, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 23, 2021. Born on January 11, 1925 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Charles and Margaret (Rowan) Schaeffer. On September 5, 1947, he married Jane Louise (Montoro) Schaeffer, who preceded him in death on September 29, 2006, after sharing over 59 years of marriage together.
Bob was a 1947 graduate of Bellefonte High School, after returning from WWII, which he entered in 1942. He served for four years while being stationed in Key West Naval Station and British Guiana. He returned from the service to work for his father at Schaeffer’s Hardware, where he continued to work for 50 years and managed the hardware store until his retirement. Bob cherished his years at the store, his regular clients, and the many dedicated employees throughout the years.
He is survived by two daughters, Margaret S. Miller (the late Edwin B. Miller) of Haverford, PA, and Carol S. Kelly (Richard Kelly) of Cleveland, and beloved grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Kelly, and Stephen Alexander Kelly of Cleveland.
Bob was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellefonte. He was an active civic servant and loved his hometown of Bellefonte. He was a Charter Member of the Bellefonte Lions Club since 1949, with over 72 years of service. Recently, he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition of service within the Lions Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Logan Fire Company, Centre County Shrine Club, Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094, VFW Post #1600 in Bellefonte, Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce, American Philatelic Society, and the Nittany Country Club. Throughout his earlier years and into retirement, he was an avid golfer, bowler, gardener, stamp collector, musician – playing the banjo, accordion, piano, and bugle for the Navy. After retirement, Bob volunteered countless hours to the Lions Club fundraisers, visiting guests at Centre Crest, and numerous church activities.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 10am, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 216 McAllister Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Will Osman officiating. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Health, St. John’s Lutheran Church is asking that no more than 55 people attend services. If you are interested in attending the memorial service, please contact Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. at 814-355-4261 to confirm attendance. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
St. John’s Lutheran Church will be live streaming the memorial service on their Facebook page for those who are unable to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children online at lovetotherescue.org or by mailing your donation to Shriners Hospital for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886, or to the Education Foundation for Bellefonte Area School District at 318 N. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Bob was a 1947 graduate of Bellefonte High School, after returning from WWII, which he entered in 1942. He served for four years while being stationed in Key West Naval Station and British Guiana. He returned from the service to work for his father at Schaeffer’s Hardware, where he continued to work for 50 years and managed the hardware store until his retirement. Bob cherished his years at the store, his regular clients, and the many dedicated employees throughout the years.
He is survived by two daughters, Margaret S. Miller (the late Edwin B. Miller) of Haverford, PA, and Carol S. Kelly (Richard Kelly) of Cleveland, and beloved grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Kelly, and Stephen Alexander Kelly of Cleveland.
Bob was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellefonte. He was an active civic servant and loved his hometown of Bellefonte. He was a Charter Member of the Bellefonte Lions Club since 1949, with over 72 years of service. Recently, he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition of service within the Lions Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Logan Fire Company, Centre County Shrine Club, Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094, VFW Post #1600 in Bellefonte, Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce, American Philatelic Society, and the Nittany Country Club. Throughout his earlier years and into retirement, he was an avid golfer, bowler, gardener, stamp collector, musician – playing the banjo, accordion, piano, and bugle for the Navy. After retirement, Bob volunteered countless hours to the Lions Club fundraisers, visiting guests at Centre Crest, and numerous church activities.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 10am, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 216 McAllister Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Will Osman officiating. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Health, St. John’s Lutheran Church is asking that no more than 55 people attend services. If you are interested in attending the memorial service, please contact Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. at 814-355-4261 to confirm attendance. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
St. John’s Lutheran Church will be live streaming the memorial service on their Facebook page for those who are unable to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children online at lovetotherescue.org or by mailing your donation to Shriners Hospital for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886, or to the Education Foundation for Bellefonte Area School District at 318 N. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.