Howard C. Schaefer, 90, of Vero Beach, died after a brief illness Dec. 2, 2009 at his home.
Schaeffer was born to Otto and Ida Louise Schaefer in Meriden, Conn., where he and his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruth Rideout Schaefer resided until his retirement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Napier Company. They relocated to Vero Beach, in 1985
A graduate of Meriden High School in 1938, he attended Wagner College and Trinity College and earned an MBA from the University of New Haven after serving in World War II in a U.S. Combat Infantry Unit in the ETO.
While in Meriden he served on several local and business related boards including the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, and was a long time member of Kiwanis, The Home Club and Shuttle Meadow Country Club and Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. In Florida he was a member of Bent Pine Golf Club, Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, and Our Savior Lutheran Church.
He was predeceased by his twin brother Roy whose wife resides in Meriden. Besides his wife Ruth he leaves his son, Howard C. Schaefer Jr. and his wife Karen Sargent Schaefer of Palm Beach Gardens and a daughter, Nancy Seadale of Barrington, R.I. and her husband Carl E. Seadale, also five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 8, 2009 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Vero Beach with Sr. Pastor Jack Diehl III officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/ Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php