In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite and Red Bank Resident, Charles ‘Chic’ Schafer III, 95

Longtime Rumsonite and Red Bank resident, Charles Edward Schafer III, lovingly known as “Chic,” passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

“Chic’s personal life was rich with love, humor, and adventure … Raised on a farm and nursery in New Canaan, CT, Chic maintained a lifelong passion for gardening. His extensive vegetable garden at his home in Rumson was a community treasure, with neighbors often stopping by to pick their own produce, benefiting from his gardening skills. Chic’s secret to success — manure from local horse stalls …

“In Rumson, Chic served on committees for Pop Warner Football, Little League, and the Men’s Business League and was a supporter of the Rumson Outboard Speed Boat Regatta. He bowled competitively, and played softball for the Val’s Pals and Briody Bunch teams. He also proudly supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters, a cause near and dear to his heart …

“Chic’s true recreational passion was skiing. He skied all over the world, spending winters in Vail, CO, and Jay Peak, VT. As one of the original ‘Mountain Hosts’ at Jay Peak, Chic left a lasting legacy on the mountain, where his influence is still felt today … He was also a passionate stamp and duck print collector, as well as a lover of art, particularly nautical-themed works. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Chic held a deep disdain for the Yankees but loved rooting for his teams. He was an original season ticket holder for the New York Jets and, after the Giants moved to New Jersey, became a devoted fan and season ticket holder for the New York Giants.

“Known for his fun-loving nature and legendary sense of humor, one of Chic’s most memorable moments was his bold arrival at the New York Stock Exchange in a bunny suit, a playful stunt that is still talked about to this day.

“Chic loved road biking and spent years biking daily at Sandy Hook, taking trips across New England. In his later years, he took up golf and enjoyed the sport with family and friends, particularly during the annual Harborside Windham Golf event, where he made cherished memories. He even achieved a hole-in-one during his many years on the course.”
Loved ones of Chic Schafer in his obituary

A longtime resident of Red Bank, Chic previously lived in Rumson for over 30 years, where he raised his family. He also lived on Staten Island.

Chic was born on June 25, 1929, in New York, NY to Charles Edward Schafer II and Katherine Morgan Schafer. He grew up with one brother, Morgan, and attended The Taft School in Waterbury, CT, before going on to study and graduate from Yale University in New Haven. After his education, Chic proudly served as an officer in the United States Coast Guard from December of 1951 to December of 1953.

Chic had a successful career as a specialist and member of the New York Stock Exchange, where he was a partner at Spear, Leeds, and Kellogg. He retired in 1987 but continued to serve as an arbitrator for the exchange for many years thereafter.

He married Gertrude Ide Goff (“Bay”) in 1954, and they remained together until Gertrude’s passing in 1997. He later married Violet Jesse Loeser in 1998, and they shared 25 happy years until Violet’s passing in 2023.

In addition to the numerous community organizations mentioned while in Rumson, Chic was active in the American Legion while on Staten Island.

Chic is predeceased by: his two beloved wives, Gertrude “Bay,” and Violet.

He is survived by: his children, Morgan Schafer and his wife Elsa; Gigi Naples and her husband William, and Christopher “Charlie” Schafer and his wife Elizabeth; his stepchildren, Mark, Alan, and Gary Loeser; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Morgan Schafer; and two nieces and two nephews.

“The entire Schafer family extends their heartfelt thanks to Kim Leshynski, Waneta George and the entire staff at The Atrium who supported and treated Chic with dignity and care in his later years.”

The family will hold private memorial services in honor of Chic. If you would like to request attendance, kindly reach out to Morgan at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chic’s memory to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Monmouth County at https://support.mentornj.org/checkout/944

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home