Philipp K. Schaefer

Philipp K. Schaefer, 91, of Monroe Township passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 25th.

Born and raised in Hockenheim, Germany, Phil came to the United States in 1952. After arriving here, he enlisted in the US Army serving in the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in Greenland. In 1956, his wife Walfriede "Wally" came to the United States and they married. He lived in Cranford and Edison for many years until settling in Monroe Township in 1984. He retired after 45 years from the former Graber-Rogg of Cranford where he worked as a Tool and Die Maker. He was a second degree member of the Knights of Columbus, first in Edison and later in Spotswood.

Phil enjoyed spending his time tinkering and fixing everything he could. He was an avid soccer fan and enjoyed playing the game in his younger days. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was kicking a soccer ball around, going to their sporting events or just taking them to the park. He was very proud of his German heritage and of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

Predeceased by five siblings, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wally Schaefer of Monroe Twp; his children, Michael Schaefer and his wife Mary, of Edison, Bianca Vicari and her husband Anthony, of California and, Angela Cleaver and her husband Matthew, of East Brunswick, and; his grandchildren, Ellen, Philipp John, Rebecca, Matthew and Alyssa. The family wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to Phil's caregiver for the last few years, Magda Polakova, whom he loved as another daughter.

Funeral services are under the direction of Spotswood Funeral Home. Services will begin with a Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood, on Monday, December 2nd at 10:30 AM followed by a committal service at the Crematory Chapel at Holy Cross Burial Park, East Brunswick.

Donations honoring Phil's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.To offer a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.spotswoodfh.com.