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June 12, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8pm on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ.
Funeral services will be held 9am on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the fuenral home, then to Immacualte heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ where at 10am a fuenral mass will be celebrated.
William (Bill) Schafer, age 78, of Bloomingdale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family after a long and courageous battle with illness. Throughout his health challenges, Bill demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience, and determination, facing each day with courage and grace.
Born in New Jersey, Bill spent his early years growing up in Fairview, where he attended local schools and formed lifelong friendships. As his family grew, he later made his home in Wayne where he raised his family before ultimately settling in Bloomingdale.
Bill dedicated much of his professional life to Pathmark, where he worked in a variety of roles throughout his career. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and friendly nature, he took pride in his work and the relationships he built over the years. After many years of service, he retired and devoted more time to the people and activities he loved most.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Bill found peace and happiness in the outdoors. Whether spending time in the woods, casting a line, or sharing stories from his adventures, he truly enjoyed nature and the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He was a lifelong fan of the Beach Boys and could often be found enjoying their music. He also had a well-known appreciation for White Castle hamburgers, a favorite treat that became part of many family memories and stories.
Above all else, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his strength, kindness, loyalty, and deep love for his family. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, celebrate their accomplishments, and create lasting memories.
One of the most important moments in Bill’s life began at his best friend’s birthday party, where he met the love of his life, Anna Marie. What started as a chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and unwavering devotion. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Through every joy and challenge, they remained devoted to one another, and Bill treasured the time they spent together.
Bill leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Anna Marie Schafer; his loving sons, Bill Schafer and his wife Kimberly, and Kevin Schafer and his wife Jennifer; and his cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Joshua, and Zachary. He is also survived by his brother, David Schafer; his nieces Amanda, Ashley, Katie, and Ann Michelle; his nephews Michael, Shaun, and John; and great grand nieces and nephew, many extended family members and dear friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Teresa Schafer and brothers Robert Schafer and John Schafer.
Bill’s legacy is one of love, perseverance, hard work, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for the strength he showed throughout his life, the laughter he brought to those around him, and the love he shared so freely with family and friends. While he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the values he instilled will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose mission of providing hope and healing to children and families reflects the compassion and generosity that Bill carried throughout his life.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8pm on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ.
Funeral services will be held 9am on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the fuenral home, then to Immacualte heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ where at 10am a fuenral mass will be celebrated.
June 12, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8pm on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ.
Funeral services will be held 9am on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the fuenral home, then to Immacualte heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd, Wayne NJ where at 10am a fuenral mass will be celebrated.
William (Bill) Schafer, age 78, of Bloomingdale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family after a long and courageous battle with illness. Throughout his health challenges, Bill demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience, and determination, facing each day with courage and grace.
Born in New Jersey, Bill spent his early years growing up in Fairview, where he attended local schools and formed lifelong friendships. As his family grew, he later made his home in Wayne where he raised his family before ultimately settling in Bloomingdale.
Bill dedicated much of his professional life to Pathmark, where he worked in a variety of roles throughout his career. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and friendly nature, he took pride in his work and the relationships he built over the years. After many years of service, he retired and devoted more time to the people and activities he loved most.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Bill found peace and happiness in the outdoors. Whether spending time in the woods, casting a line, or sharing stories from his adventures, he truly enjoyed nature and the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He was a lifelong fan of the Beach Boys and could often be found enjoying their music. He also had a well-known appreciation for White Castle hamburgers, a favorite treat that became part of many family memories and stories.
Above all else, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his strength, kindness, loyalty, and deep love for his family. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, celebrate their accomplishments, and create lasting memories.
One of the most important moments in Bill’s life began at his best friend’s birthday party, where he met the love of his life, Anna Marie. What started as a chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and unwavering devotion. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Through every joy and challenge, they remained devoted to one another, and Bill treasured the time they spent together.
Bill leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Anna Marie Schafer; his loving sons, Bill Schafer and his wife Kimberly, and Kevin Schafer and his wife Jennifer; and his cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Joshua, and Zachary. He is also survived by his brother, David Schafer; his nieces Amanda, Ashley, Katie, and Ann Michelle; his nephews Michael, Shaun, and John; and great grand nieces and nephew, many extended family members and dear friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Teresa Schafer and brothers Robert Schafer and John Schafer.
Bill’s legacy is one of love, perseverance, hard work, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for the strength he showed throughout his life, the laughter he brought to those around him, and the love he shared so freely with family and friends. While he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the values he instilled will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose mission of providing hope and healing to children and families reflects the compassion and generosity that Bill carried throughout his life.
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