Robert M. "Bob" Schaeffer

Robert M. "Bob" Schaeffer
October 15, 1924 to March 19, 2017

Son of Ray C. Schaeffer and Jennie (Schock) Schaeffer. Born in Bernville, PA, he dropped out of school in the 8th grade to work at RC Schaeffer Motors, Bernville.
Bob was a WWII veteran who served in the Army Quartermasters. He was stationed in Kerrick Fergus Castle in Scotland, then drove trucks filled with gas cans to support troops after the D-Day invasion in Europe.
After the war, he met and married his beautiful red-head Fern G. Meck on December 28, 1946.
He worked for Esso as an oil burner serviceman, then partnered with Rocco Santilli to go into their own oil burner sales and service business. While the partnership was short-lived, they remained life-long friends.
Bob was a sole proprietor of RM Schaeffer Oil Burner Sales and Service. He sold the business to J A Yerger Oil Co. in the late 1960's, and continued working there for a brief time. From 1970 to 1974 he worked as a counterman at Larsen Supply Co. in Reading. In 1974 he joined Carpenter Technology as a Furnace Operator in the Annealing Department, BLDG 105. Bob retired from CarTech in 1989.
Fern passed away in 1972, and Bob married Helen Boudman in 1981. They spent the early years of retirement traveling throughout the US, including Hawaii. They belonged to the local Coast Guard Auxilliary unit and were active boaters on Felix Dam until its demise. They were also active members of the local chapter of the Happy Boombadeers. Bob was also a member of the Nifty Fifties and the Laureldale Seniors, and a regular at the CarTech Fellowship Club.
After Helen's death in 2004, Bob had a close relationship with long-time friend, Ginny Buechley, and finally Vivian Kunkle.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents: Ray C. and Jennie Schaeffer, brothers: Luther, Clinton and John, sisters: Catherine and Gloria "Betsy", nephew: Gene, and wives: Fern and Helen.
Bob is survived by his son, David L. husband of Arleen, daughter, Lee M. Hess, grandchildren: Stacy L. Stoudt (wife of Michael), Heather D. Winters (wife of Christopher), Jeremy D. (husband of Christy), Devon Noroski, Elliot "Todd" Waters and Lori (Waters) Bolleen (wife of Ryan), sister: Grace Degler, and brother: George, also several nieces and nephews. There are also 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, with another on the way.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017 in Schwarzwald Lutheran Church, 250 Church Lane Road, Reading, PA 19606. There will be a viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in church. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made to the memorial fund at Schwarzwald Lutheran Church, 250 Church Lane Road, Reading, PA 19606.
Online condolences may be recorded at www.milkinsgilesfuneralhome.com.