Thomas M. Schaeffer

Thomas M Schaeffer (CEO)

It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas M. Schaeffer on January 1, 2021 at the age of 88. He died at the Reading Hospital surrounded by his children.

He was born August 11, 1932 to the late Louis and Emma (Flierl) Schaeffer in Frackville, PA. Upon graduating from high school in 1950, he joined the Army and served 2 years at Fort Eustis, VA during the Korean War. Tom married Mary Jane (Haines) on February 28, 1953. Enjoying a long and happy marriage, they would have celebrated 68 years together next month. Following his military service, he relocated to Laureldale, PA where he began a 66 year career starting with a gas station and camper rentals. His passion developed into the hugely successful Tom Schaeffer's RV Super Store located in Shoemakersville, PA.

Tom was a self-made man with business instincts, personal integrity, honesty, engaging personality and a devotion to family, God and country. He was sincerely interested in the well being of each and every employee and their families, which earned him their respect and dedication to their jobs. Tom was a workaholic, continuing working every day at his business up until his day of hospitalization.

An avid adventurer, Tom traveled extensively throughout the country and the world on business trips and vacations, often accompanied by his children and/or grandchildren and their friends. His most memorable trip was an African Safari with his grandchildren.

Tom was an active member of St Mary Roman Catholic Church, Hamburg PA. He served on many committees including his current position on the Finance Committee. He also served on the Board of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association as an officer of the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association and on the Southeast Dealers Association as Treasurer.

He was a champion of many people and organizations. He loved each and every animal and despised animal abuse. He had great memories with his dogs: Heidi, Amber, and Molly. He loved Irish music, reading books, fishing, maintaining his enviable lawns.

He is survived by three children whom he adored: Thomas R. Schaeffer and wife Amanda, Shoemakersville, Mary E Reinhart and husband Kevin, Shoemakersville, and Scott C Schaeffer and Tara, his companion, and boys Corey, Kyle, Cameron of Reading and a sister Margaret Gibbons, Scotia, NY. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by 10 grandchildren: Aaron & Bradley Bashore, Sarah Schaeffer, Nathan, Rebecca, Matthew, Michael, & Alli Reinhart, Emily & John Schaeffer and two great grandchildren Zaidyn Werley and Romy Schaeffer and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan J. Bashore (Schaeffer), infant son, Louis, grandson Seth Schaeffer, and his sister, Marie Garvey.

Mass and burial services are private due to Covid restrictions. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date to be announced. Mass will be available to view via webcast from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the bottom of Mr. Schaeffer's obituary page on the Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal welfare society.

Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.