John Schaeffer, Sr

John T. “Jack” Schaeffer, Sr., 86 of Middle River, MD passed away Friday, March 11, 2016 at the home of his daughter in Federalsburg. His wife and children were at his side.
Born in Baltimore December 29, 1929, he was the son of the late Mary Gertrude Deck and William Francis Schaeffer. Jack attended the local schools and was raised in the Catholic Church. At a young age he was an altar boy which made his parents and grandparents proud. After graduating from high school he worked at a number of businesses before enlisting in the US Navy. Jack became a 3rd Class Gunners Mate and served his country from 1951 till 1955 and then in the Navy Reserves for another four years.
After returning to Baltimore County, Jack began a long career with the Patapsco and Back River Railroad Company. On June 28, 1957 he married his sweetheart, the former Susan Law and started a family. As he worked up the ladder he also worked part time at Baltimore Shipyard as a welder, drove school buses and always was dedicated to being a good provider for his wife and children. His real love was always for the railroad and became the Asst. Superintendent, the position he held till his retirement after 35 years in 1988.
Jack had been a member of the Moose, the Veterans Club, Rhodesdale Loud Mouth Club and the Railroad Social Club. He greatly enjoyed parties with his friends, was an avid bowler and proud of his gardens. In 1997 he started spending more time in a family home in Virginia and then really got into gardening. He always tried to have the first ripe tomatoes each summer. Quite an outspoken and sometimes heated individual, his gentle caring side would come out and always considered making up so much fun.
Surviving is his wife of 58 years Susan; daughters Sherri Rider of Church Creek and Terri Connelly and her companion David Watson of Federalsburg; son John T. Schaeffer, Jr. of Baltimore; granddaughter Heather Kapela and husband Tony; four great-grandchildren and many friends.
The services with family were private.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.
Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge
To send online condolences visit www.newcombcollins.com

Services will be private