Joseph T. Schafer

Joseph T. Schafer, 73 of Seaside Park, passed from this life peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026. Joseph was born to the late Joseph and Bernice Schafer in Jersey City on September 20, 1952. He was a loving husband, devoted father and proud grandfather. He was honest, direct and enjoyed all aspects of the Shore life. He enjoyed times spent vacationing in the Caribbean. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was a proud graduate of Hudson Catholic in Jersey City and an Alumni of Rider University.  He spent his early day in Rockaway Beach with his family before moving to Bricktown in 1972.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents, Joseph H. Schafer and Bernice Rehbein Schafer.

Joseph is survived by his wife and best friend, Michele Hansen Schafer; sons, Joseph Robert  Schafer and his wife Ashley; Andrew John Schafer and his wife AnnaMarie; daughter, Krista Michele Anderson and her husband John; brother, Thomas Schafer and his wife MaryAnne; sisters, Kathleen Lombardo; Jackie O’Keefe; Lynn Turner and her husband Gary; mother in law, Marlene Lacy; grandchildren, Joseph Patrick Schafer; Nora Jean Schafer, Brooke Ashlee Anderson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A Mass will be at 11am, Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Catharine of Siena Church, Seaside Park. All Committal Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joseph’s honor to: American Heart Association

 Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.