Obituary of The Rev. Alan R. Schaefer

Reverend Alan R. Schaefer passed away peacefully at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, on June 14, 2026.

Born in Kearny, New Jersey, to Robert A. and Ruth (Carlson) Schaefer, Alan grew up in Livingston and lived throughout New Jersey before settling in Denville many years ago, where he became a beloved member of the community.

Alan earned his Bachelor's Degree from Bloomfield College and continued his theological studies at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He was ordained into the Presbyterian ministry on August 11, 1974, beginning a lifelong vocation of faith, service, and compassion.

He first felt God in the Lake Side chapel at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat center as a camper and where he would later be a devoted Board Member. Over the course of more than five decades in ministry, Reverend Schaefer faithfully served Presbyterian congregations in Lexington, Nebraska; Toms River, New Jersey; Eatontown, New Jersey; Lincroft, New Jersey; and Tinton Falls, New Jersey. He concluded 39 years of dedicated service at Union Hill Presbyterian Church in Denville before retiring from full-time ministry. Never one to step away from serving others, he continued as a part-time minister at First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover, New Jersey, where he faithfully served for the past 12 years.

In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to his congregation and community, Denville Mayor Tom Andes proclaimed January 14, 2014, as "The Reverend Alan R. Schaefer Day." In 2025, Alan celebrated the milestone of 50 years in ministry, a testament to his unwavering commitment to sharing God's love and guidance with generations of parishioners.

Outside of the pulpit, Alan found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved music of all kinds and in his younger years he played the clarinet. He was an avid Lionel train enthusiast, rarely passed up an ice-cold diet cherry Pepsi-Cola, and cherished trips to the Jersey Shore, especially Stone Harbor, where he loved breathing in the salt air and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the coast, slowly and savoring every moment, as he did with everything he loved—especially sharing delicious meals at Casa Bella and Charlie Brown’s, surrounded by good friends and conversation. 

Alan was predeceased by his father, Robert A. Schaefer, in 1997; his mother, Ruth (Carlson) Schaefer, in 2003; his beloved sister, Ellen Scardena, in 2023; and his foster son, Marshal Covert.

He is survived by his nephew, Dr. Scott Alan Scardena and his wife, Courtney, of Boonton, New Jersey; his niece, Allison Daugherty and her husband, Colin, of Denville, New Jersey; his great-nephew, Owen Scardena; his brother-in-law, Stephen Scardena; and his foster children, Michael Allender and Jesse Dibble. He also leaves behind many friends, parishioners, and community members whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and faithful ministry.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834.  A memorial service celebrating Reverend Schaefer's life and ministry will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made in Alan's Memory to be made to Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center.

https://johnsonburgcampandretreatcenter-bloom.kindful.com/

Reverend Alan R. Schaefer's legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.