George Frederick Schafer

George was born in Glendale, Queens, New York on Christmas Day, 1942.  He passsed away at his home with Kathryn at his side in Riderwood Village, Silver Spring, MD, from complications related to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  He was in hospice care for the last eight weeks.

George leaves behind Kathrym Schafer, his loving wife of 52 years, his health care advocate, and his caretaker.  Also greiving his departure, his beloved daughter Susan Storz and son-in-law, Bob Storz, and the joy of his later life, his 14 year-old grandson, Wolfie.  Among others who will miss his smile, good humor, and helpfulness are his brother-in-law Dennis Pfennig, little sister-in-law Joni Hayias and her husband Neal, and sister-in-law Ginny Puritz and her husband Dan.  His nephews Michael, Andrew, Aaron and nieces Amanda and Judi will fondly remember him being Santa on Christmas Day at Nanny and Poppy's home.

George was a proud member for 55 years of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  He worked in the five boroughs of New York City.  George loved his work, especially his contributions to the 1964 Worlds Fair, Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium, and Verazzano Narrows Bridge.

As a pastime, George loved golfing and was quite good at it.

George was lead usher at his parish St. Raphaels in East Meadow, New York for 16 years.

George was diagnosed with PSP which is a neurodegenerative disease.  Only about five to six people per 100,000 have PSP.  Sadly, there is no treatment.  George had been fighting this disease since 2010.  It stole his ability to speak, swallow, walk, and think clearly. Through it all, he managed to enjoy the new normal in his life with courage and humor.

We have donated his brain to Johns Hopkins to aid in the research of this disease.  If you wish, donations in George's name can be made to CurePSP.org.