In Memory of Jeffrey Dale Schafer

Obituary

Jeffrey Dale Schafer January 4, 1943 – July 11, 2025

Jeff Schafer died at his home in Charlottesville, VA on July 11, 2025, 14 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born to Arthur W. Schafer and Marrion E. Armstrong on January 4, 1943 in Utica, NY. He grew up in Upstate NY and Northern PA with his late sister, Sybil Chesebrough Higgins. Jeff graduated from Hartwick College, then joined the Navy to be a jet pilot. When that didn’t work out, he went to Sasebo, Japan where he met his wife, Elizabeth Ward, known to most as Sitta, and then trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer. He was a “plank holder” in the first group to be assigned to EODGRULANT at Fort Story, VA. Jeff left the Navy as a Lieutenant and moved to Utica, always valuing the leadership experiences he acquired serving our country.

In 1970, Jeff went to work for his father, who had opened Business Services Company in the late 1950s to sell photocopiers. Jeff spent years on the road cold- calling customers and succeeding as a salesman. On his 40th birthday, this SOB – Son of Boss –was made the COO of the Company. Jeff and his father had an extraordinarily close relationship. Together they led Business Services Company to successful years until they sold the company to IKON Office Solutions in the mid 1990s, when the office machine market shifted away from independent dealers. Jeff was made President of IKON Central New York, with offices in Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton and Watertown. He continued to increase sales and develop employees at IKON until his retirement in 2000.

Jeff created Schafer Sales Development Group, a consulting company based on the expertise he acquired leading twice-a-week sales meetings at 7 am at BSC and IKON. He enjoyed consulting with individuals and small family businesses, continuing to work virtually with a client in Marcy until two months before his death. Active in his community, Jeff served on multiple boards, including St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, Human Technology Corp. and St. Elizabeth Hospital. He also served on the Board of the Jaguar Club of Central NY.

Jeff lived an active life. As a fine golfer, Jeff achieved a single-digit handicap in his prime. He was a long-time member of the Yahnundasis Golf Club, with a regular Tuesday afternoon foursome. He loved the feeling of hitting balls more than scoring on the course, so spent long afternoons on the driving range at PGA West during winters in LaQuinta, CA. He was a fearless skier on the icy slopes in the east and the powder of western mountains. And Jeff loved cars, from his first Austin Healey 3000 through numerous Jaguars, including a much-loved red 1965 XKE roadster, and later several Porsches. His joy was making those cars shine and then go fast!

Taking photos of his family, friends and travel locations was another love - he was never without a camera at any event, big or small. Jeff created albums and framed many milestones of his family life, complete with dates, to hang on the walls of his homes. He enjoyed working out regularly with a personal trainer and doing the big jobs of home repair and yardwork. Sweat and dirt felt good when he wasn’t in a favorite business suit and tie!

Jeff endured the many indignities of Parkinson’s taking away, every day, bits and pieces of his ability to walk, speak easily and maintain autonomy. But it could not touch his positive attitude. Those who cared for him in his final months were deeply touched by his kindness and smiles. Jeff donated his brain for Parkinson’s research to the Mayo Clinic with hope that someday there will be an answer to his frequent question: “Doctor, isn’t there a pill to stop this?”. His body was used for medical education. Jeff’s ashes will be buried next to his father in a private ceremony.

Jeff is survived by his wife Sitta, son Rear Admiral Mark A. Schafer USN (Anne); daughter Dr. Julie E. Schafer; grandson Mark R. Wilson, Jr. (Kaitlin) and their daughter Lucy; aunt Nancy Schafer Monahan (his father’s youngest sister, age 99); niece Melissa Gallogly; nephew Tom Higgins; and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Jeff’s remarkable life will be held at Yahnundasis Golf Club on Thursday evening, October 2, 2025 at 5:00.

Jeff and his family are deeply grateful to the caregivers from Commonwise Home Health Care and Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Brain Support Network.org or The Parkinson’s Activities Resource Center of Charlottesville, the-parc.org.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford. For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.