Waldemar “Wally” Schaefer, Jr., of Garrison, NY, entered into rest on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 64. In his final year, he met the challenge of illness with quiet bravery, choosing to live each day with optimism and a steady devotion to the activities and people he loved.
The son of Waldemar Schaefer, Sr. and the late Barbara (Stewart) Schaefer, he was born on March 16, 1961, in Middletown, NY. He is survived by his father Waldemar, Sr., son Alex, daughter Carolyn, partner Rajika Bhandari, brothers Glenn (Dawn), Rob, and Steve (Ellecia), sister Erica (Rocky) Plateroti, ex-wife and mother of his children Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Wally was a lifelong music enthusiast. He played guitar in a local band, GG & the Shades, and enjoyed the friendships he built with the other members as much as the music itself. He also played, composed, and recorded pieces at home, attended local concerts, and simply loved to listen. His love of music was something he joyfully shared with his children.
Wally also passed on his passion for soccer, coaching his children’s teams for many years when they were younger. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, cross-country skiing, and hiking, and was talented at woodworking and nature photography. With a deep appreciation for the outdoors, especially in the Hudson Valley, where he was a longtime resident, he was passionate about protecting the environment and preserving the planet’s beauty and wildlife.
He will be remembered for his reserved strength, thoughtful generosity, and subtle yet clever sense of humor. His home radiated peace and reflected the care and creativity he brought to everything he did. He was a loving father, partner, friend, family member, and neighbor whose presence brought a sense of calm, color, and meaning to those around him. His influence will live on in the many lives he touched.
Plans for a private Celebration of Wally’s Life will be announced to friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wally’s memory can be made to the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary (audubon.org).
