STAMFORD, Conn. Eugene "Gene" Schaffer, 88, died at his Stamford home. He spent 46 years in Stamford, but was born and raised in Allentown, Pa.
A lifelong learner, he earned his masters degree in theology from Notre Dame University at the age of 68 and also took classes at Harvard Medical School, the University of Southern California, Fairfield University, Muhlenberg University and Sacred Heart University. He was also a big fan of Notre Dames football team.
Schaffer worked in the newspaper business for 50 years, 30 of which were spent at The New York Times, becoming the promotion manager for the Western edition. Other newspapers he worked at include the Houston Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Mirror and the Riverside California Press Enterprise. He also served as a vice president for the American Newspaper Promotion Association.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sarah Anne Kathleen Smith; four sons, Scott Smith, Jack and his wife Nancy Smith, Kevin Smith and his wife Karen Goukler, and Peter Smith and his wife Marci-Ann Rustic; a daughter Mary and her husband Charles Morgan; and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother John Albert Schaffer.
Calling hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 14. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, with burial to follow at St. Johns Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Schaffers name to the World Wildlife Fund.
Did you know Gene Schaffer? Share your memories and condolences below.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
