Joseph W. “Bill” Schaefer, Jr., 82, of Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with his family by his side.

He was born December 10, 1942 in St. Marys, a son of the late J. W. “Bill” Schaefer, Sr. and Viola Young Schaefer.

On November 20, 1965 in Queen of the World Church, Bill married Doris Ann Olson, who survives and together they have enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Bill was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1960. He was a member of Queen of the World Church.

In addition to his wife, Doris, he is survived by four children; Kimberly A. Lynch and her husband John of St. Marys, Scott A. Schaefer and his wife Deborah of Reinsholds, PA, Dawn M. Meyer and her husband John of Bradford, PA, and Michelle L. Schaefer of St. Marys PA, and by one grandson; Noah J. Meyer of Coraopolis, PA.

He is also survived by one sister; Beverly Nagley and one brother; Chris (Pam) Schaefer, all of St. Marys, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Thomas and Eileen Erich of St. Marys.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws; Wilfred and Elenora Olson, three brothers-in-law; Robert Olson, Wilfred Olson, and Clem Nagley, and by three sisters-in-law; Pauline Olson, Edith Olson, and Tina Olson.

He worked for the A&P Store for many years.

Bill holds an Associate’s Degree in Machine Design Technology, He was employed as a 1st Class Machinist and 1st Class Die Setter. He was employed at Stackpole Carbon Company, retiring after 31 years. He was also employed at Valley Tool & Die, where he retired in 2003 after 17 years of service.

He entered the active military in June of 1964, and retired from the US Army Reserve in July 1995 as 1st Sergeant. In July 1995 he went to the Ready Reserves and retired on December 10th, 2002. He had 38 years in the service. Bill held many positions in the service and retired as a BNS3 and graduated from many service schools including: USAI Precommission School at Ft Benning, GA 99th ARCOM First Sgts. School at Pittsburgh PA, First Army Battle Focused Instructor Training Course at Ft. Meade MD., First Army Senior Noncommissioned Officer’s Battle Staff School, IGMR and the USA Field Artillery School at Ft Sill, ОК.

He has been awarded the ARCAM w/ Hour glass, AFRM, National Defense Service Ribbon, Expert Rifleman Badge, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Meritorious Service Ribbon.

He joined the St. Marys Burial Detail in 1991 and served as assistant Supply Sgt., he was also President of the Burial Detail in 1997. Bill Proudly served at 615 military funerals during his time with the Burial Detail, where he was also on the Board of Trustees. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

He was coach of Knot Hole for many years. He was also involved with the Cavaliers and helped remodel the Cavalier Gym on Church Street.

Later on in years he enjoyed going to Baseball, Football and Basketball Games that his grandson Noah played. He enjoyed playing Golf.

He also enjoyed going to camp with his friend Andy for many years. He was an avid Hunter and Fisherman. He enjoyed playing solitaire on the computer and had a green thumb for his flowers, and enjoyed driving his 1993 40th anniversary Corvette. But most of all, he loved his family and his grandson, Noah Meyer.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph W. “Bill” Schaefer will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, as celebrant.
Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Burial will be in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, or to Queen of the World Church.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com