Edward H. Schaeffer

Edward H. Schaeffer, 89, Wyomissing, passed peacefully into eternity on Saturday, September 25th at 12:43 pm in Reading Hospital, where he was a patient since September 22nd. He was surrounded by members of his loving family. Edward was the husband of Louise (Manbeck) Schaeffer. They were married on August 23, 1947 and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Born June 4, 1921 in Reading, Edward was the son of the late Harold P. and Anna (Walter) Harrington. By 13, both his parents had passed and he was remanded to the Berks County Children 's Home and placed in the guardianship of his grandmother Hattie. Edward later attended Scotland School for Veterans Children where he excelled academically and was a standout athlete in football and track. After graduation, Edward worked at the Parish Foundry in Reading before enlisting in the Navy in early 1942.

Edward served as a machinist 1st class on the U.S.S Gambier Bay, an escort carrier, which was part of the Pacific 7th fleet during WWII. In October, 1944, the Gambier Bay took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, considered by many to be the greatest naval battle ever fought. Highly outnumbered, the US fleet managed to repel superior Japanese forces and preserve MacArthur's pivotal invasion of the Philippines. Though the ship was sunk and Edward had a severe shrapnel wound to his leg, he clung to the side of a raft for three days in shark infested waters to allow more seriously injured shipmates onto the raft, as many others lost there lives waiting for rescue. After recovering from his injuries, Edward received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.

After the war, Edward served on the Naval staff at the Franklin Institute and was recognized by the Commonwealth as an Ambassador of Pennsylvania and by the Bremerton, Washington Chamber of Commerce for his efforts to promote post-war economic development. After his discharge, Edward studied mechanical engineering at Drexel and communications at DeVry. In 1958, he was employed as a machinist at Hoffman Industries, were he worked until his retirement in 1987. Edward was a member of the New Apostolic Church were he was ordained as a sub-deacon.

Edward is survived by his wife Louise; two sons: Edward K. and Scott R.; six daughters: Sherry E., Sandy L., Tina J., Mary A., Kathy A., and Louise M. In addition, Edward is survived by his brother, Laverne P.; two nephews: Robert and Michael, a niece Beverly, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson Ryan in 2008. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading. Burial will be private at the family's convenience. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 29, at 8 pm at the New Apostolic Church, 6291 Perkiomen Avenue(Rte 422), Exeter, Pa 19508. The family will begin greeting guests at 7 pm. A fellowship will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to be made in Edward's name to: New Apostolic Church World Relief Fund, c/o Evangelist Jason Lessig, 134 N. George Street, Millersville, Pa 17551.