Obituary of Michael T. Schaefer

Michael Thomas Schaefer passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 following a valiant bout with pancreatic cancer. He shared 63 years of love and love of racing with his family and friends. Friends and relatives may visit on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 3pm-5:30 pm. A Funeral Service will begin at 5:30 that evening. Donations in his name may be made to the good work of the Parsippany Animal Shelter, 1069 Parsippany Blvd, Parsippany, NJ 07054, St. Joseph's Senior Home, 3 St. Joseph's Terrace, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 or to St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. 

Born in North Edison to the late Gregory and Helen Schaefer, Michael was one of eight children to bless the family. After his schooling he joined the family business, West Orange Window Cleaning Co. with his brother Greg, before heading on to Safeway Tire. He has been with the Morris County MUA for over 12 years  and was looking forward to his retirement. He was fortunate to meet Suzann Lord through his sister and the rest was history. They married and settled in Denville where they spent over 20 years together. Recently, they settled into Morris Plains.

When Michael wasn’t hard at work, he enjoyed vacationing with his wife, dancing with her in the living room and all genres of music. He always had a motorcycle to ride and race car to tinker on. He spent countless hours at the track with friends doing what they loved. Racing was exhilarating and Michael truly loved it.

When at home, the speed slowed down while he loved to just watch a good show with Suzann and their loyal felines BoBear and LuLu Belle. He enjoyed rooting on his beloved NY Giants with his sister Alison and brother Richard. He also loved spending afternoons with friends and family. Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing we have another Angel watching over us this holiday season.

Predeceased by his parents Gregory and Helen; his brother John; his brother in law Richard Wagner and his mother in law Olga Lord; he leaves joyful memories to his wife Suzann; his siblings Judith Masi (Anthony), Marie Schaefer-Wagner, Gregory Schaefer (Lynn), Michelle Paone (Gary), Alison Rems (Stanley) and Richard Schaefer (Anna); his twelve  nieces and nephews Matthew (Anne), Ross (Shana) and Anthony Masi, Randy Wagner (Tina), Addeline (Bryan) Hoffman, Gregory, Brian and Kevin Schaefer (Michaels Godson),  Shauna and Louis (Lesley) Paone;  Robert (Brandie) Lewis and Catherine (Scott) Jablow; sister in law Mary (Robert) Lewis; ten great nieces and nephews; 1 great great niece; many dear friends and his kitties BoBear and Lulu Belle.