Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Schaefer, Jr.
"Decorated Vietnam War Veteran & Purple Heart Recipient"
LOWELL
Gerald J. Schaefer, Jr., 72, of Lowell, passed away on March 8,
2020, after a period of declining health following the loss of his
beloved wife Anna, who passed away April 19, 2019.
Born
September 12, 1947, in Lowell, he was a son of the late Gerald J.
Schaefer, Sr, and the late Madeline C. (Clement) Schaefer. He grew up
in Lowell and attended the local schools. He also attained an Associates
Degree in Psychology from Middlesex Community College.
Mr. Schaefer
served his country with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. During
his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart,
Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnam Camp Medal w/dice. He also earned
the Navy Commendation Medal, which he was most proud of. He earned this
for a heroic achievement while on patrol near Cobi Thanh Than. During a
search that left some of his fellow Marines overcome by fumes in a deep
tunnel, without hesitation, he fashioned a rope out of shirts, and was
lowered into the tunnel. Despite the toxic fumes, he continued rescue
efforts which were crucial in the recovery of all of the Marines.
He resided in the Highlands and was a member of the VFW Walker Rogers
Post #662. He loved photography, reading, and was a gifted writer. He
also enjoyed keeping up with the latest technology.
He is
survived by his seven children, Bobby, Samantha, Tanya, Gerald III,
Tony, Victoria and Anna. Several grandchildren, and many great
grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce, as well as his
fellow veterans and friends at the Lowell VFW.
He was the grandfather of the late Darrin Michael Than who passed away in March of 2018.
YOU
ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS FROM 3 UNTIL 7 P.M. ON FRIDAY, MARCH
13, 2020 AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL, MA
01852, 978-458-6816.
THERE WILL BE A SERVICE AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE CALLING HOURS FRIDAY AT 7PM.
BURIAL IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY WILL TAKE PLACE AT A LATER DATE
