Richard P. Schaefer, 85

Richard P. Schaefer, age 85, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on April 3, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, MA, following complications related to a fall. He was born on March 12, 1941 to Harold and Anne Schaefer of Hartsdale, NY. Richard was a 1959 graduate of Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY, and a 1963 graduate of Tufts University. Richard served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1964-65 on the USS Henley out of Norfolk, VA. He went on to earn his JD from Fordham Law School in 1968 and his LLM in taxation from Boston University in 1978. 

Richard practiced law and thrived in his work, establishing the firm Schaefer & Kunz in the early '90's, and later merging to form Titus, Ryan, Schaefer & Kunz. He loved calling Marion, MA home for more than 50 years, embracing everything the town had to offer - its beauty, its community, and the deep friendships he formed there. He was an active participant in local affairs, contributing his time to many organizations. For decades he helped to organize the town's annual Salvation Army holiday fundraising campaign, enlisting as bell ringers friends and family, including his grandsons. He also served on the boards of the Marion Art Center; the Sippican Lands Trust; and Community Boating Center of New Bedford, among other organizations. He was an engaged member of the Beverly Yacht Club and the Kittansett Club, and was happiest when on his Grand Banks trawler, the Alibi, exploring Buzzards Bay and beyond with his first mate, and wife of 59 years, Loretta (Lori). 

Richard was predeceased by Lori and his daughter Elizabeth. He is survived by daughters Catherine Schaefer Nellis (Barrington, RI), and Christine Gleason (Madison, CT), along with sons-in-law Doug Shattuck (Catherine) and Joshua Gleason (Christine), and grandsons Eli, Theo, James and Andrew, who brought him great joy. A celebration of Richard's life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Community Nurse, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, or at www.communitynurse.com, or the Community Boating Center of New Bedford, MA at www.communityboating.org.

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.