Obituary of Albert Schaefer

Albert W Schaefer, Jr was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 4, 1933, son of Albert W. and Louise (Kleber) Schaefer. He lived exactly 91 years, passing peacefully on April 4, 2024.

Albert was known as “Al” by his wife’s side of the family and “Bert” by his blood relatives – and that was probably the most complicated thing about Albert… he was an intelligent, quiet man who enjoyed a good Bourbon with his newspaper and who loved his bride of 67 years more than anything else.

Albert’s family moved to Binghamton, NY when he was a young child. He graduated from high school there, and in September of 1951 Albert headed to Troy, NY, where he studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Al and MJ met when Albert transferred to Clarkson College of Technology for Engineering. They announced their engagement in the Binghamton Press on Friday, May 18, 1956. In June, Albert graduated from Clarkson; Marijean had graduated earlier from Potsdam State Teachers College and was a music instructor at Henderson Central School, Henderson, NY. They were married August 26, 1956.  

Albert was employed as an Engineer for Crucible Steel for 30 years. They decided to take an “early” retirement and traveled the world. Of the 26 countries they visited, some of their favorite destinations included Hawaii, Australia, and Europe. However, when asked, he said he’d have liked to go back to Fort Lauderdale, FL – perhaps he enjoyed being by the ocean, as he loved living on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville for over 50 years.

Albert and MJ both helped at Meals on Wheels for many years, preparing and delivering meals to those in need (MJ was with MOW for 30 years.) That was their most cherished volunteer work, and they did it as a couple.

Albert played trombone in the Baldwinsville Community Band for 20 years beginning in the early 90’s. MJ and her sister, Joyce, loved attending the concerts and seeing Albert perform. He only retired when it became too difficult to play.

Albert and MJ were also in the Oneida Lake Region Antique Automobile Club of America for over 30 years. They still have one remaining antique car and rode in it to the summer lunch a couple years back. They made some great friends in the group and enjoyed many summer picnics and holiday parties.

Albert survived three forms of cancer – hence his “third name” – Superman. Never complained, never pitied himself, never gave up. The strong, silent type… doing what needed to be done to get well and stay with MJ.

Albert had the most caring group of medical professionals looking after him during his last years. Dr. Aref Agheli, from HOA/Brittonfield, was the key to helping Albert live with lymphoma: prescribing life-saving medicine, following up when he went into the hospital for illnesses along the way – even answering texts regarding Albert’s care in a timely and caring manner. The entire organization is filled with caring staff, we are forever grateful for their work in this field.

We would also greatly like to thank the staff at University Geriatricians, Alyssa Grzeskowiak and her team always brought a smile to Albert’s face, and they were there for us with advice and encouragement every step of the journey.

We are grateful for the expertise of Scott Ayers and Margo Wilkinson; their guidance and support played a large part in ensuring the Schaefer’s were able to have the lives they dreamed of, free from financial worries.

Albert’s final years would have been much less beautiful without the presence of our dear aide, Amber Gamble, who is dedicated to the Schaefer’s daily needs. She considers them family and loves them with all her heart. She could get Al to smile, to joke, to laugh… she even had him reading out loud upon occasion. Her expertise and attention to detail are essential to their daily lives. Her “teammate” Yakeema Trapps is their part-time aide and is also key to him feeling loved and cared for.

We’d also like to thank Mike Gammon and Allison Schad for their time and care – they got the Schaefer’s through some tough times with smiles and love.

Survivors include his wife, Marijean; sister-in-law Joyce Jewell, and several nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Jackson Hoffmann (Henryk) of Lititz, PA, Philip L. Jackson (Carol) of Beacon, NY, Timothy A. Jackson of Alfred, ME, Veronika Feesche Freeman (Gil) of Frankfort, NY, Diane Zobro of Cato, NY and Andrew Parker (Mary) of Baldwinsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Meals on Wheels, the Oneida Lake Region Antique Automobile Club of America, the Baldwinsville Community Band, The Hemotology-Oncology Associates of CNY at Brittonfield, or the cancer charity of your choosing

Calling Hours:  Saturday, April 27, 2024 1 to 3PM family service to follow.