Niskayuna- John J Schaeffer,77,beloved husband, father, and grandfather of Niskayuna, passed away Saturday August 5, 2017 at home with his family by his side after a courageous 22 year battle with cancer. During his fight, John was always in the highest of spirits and never once lost his sense of humor.
The son of the late John L and Mary Lenick Schaeffer, he was born in Mary D Pennsylvania where he spent his early years before the family moved to Schaghticoke, NY.
After graduating from Hoosick Valley Central High School in 1958, he joined the Navy where he spent the next five years serving both stateside and abroad, including serving with NATO Command Headquarters in Naples, Italy. After discharge from the Navy, he began working for AT&T as a communications technician out of Albany and was with them until his retirement in 2000. While vacationing in Rome in 1963, he met the love of his life Barbara Hanselman of Hoosick Falls, NY and they were married October 24, 1964 before moving to Niskayuna, NY. John was actively involved with the American Legion Post 91 and the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge 1403; he was the treasurer of his union at AT&T, a bowler, an outdoor sportsman, and an avid golfer. He and Barbara spent many years wintering in Florida and vacationing whenever they were able, meeting new people and making lasting friendships. John always found time for his daily crossword puzzles, visits to casinos, and above all spending time with family. He loved to lend a helping hand, never leaving home without his tool belt and especially his duct tape, which, as he said, fixes everything.
He is predeceased by his parents John and Mary Schaeffer and his sister Joan Schaeffer. John is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 52 years; their two daughters Lisa (Kurt) Berger of Alabaster, AL, and Cathy McCauley of Queensbury, NY; three grandchildren Elizabeth and William McCauley of Queensbury, NY, and Alexis Berger of Alabaster, AL; as well as many beloved extended family and friends. The family would also like to thank the many exceptional nurses and physicians who have helped in John’s care during the past 22 years.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday August 9th at DeVito Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 South Main Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118, from 5 to 7pm with a short service immediately following. Inurnment will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, with military honors, on Friday August 11th at 11am. The family asks that anyone wishing to attend to please arrive at or before 10:45am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choosing.
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