EASTON Dr. Carl J. Schaefer of Easton died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, at his home. He
was 90.
Born April 27, 1920, in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of the late Carl J. Schaefer Sr. and
Isabel Shear Schaefer. Dr. Schaefer graduated from Buffalo Technical High School and
The Ohio State University with a B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees.
Dr. Schaefer's career was in vocational and technical education at The Ohio State
University (The Laboratory of Trade and Industrial Education). The Ohio State
Department, The Pennsylvania State University, (College of Education) and Rutgers-The
State University of New Jersey in Graduate School of Education.
The highlights of his life included his many awards in education, being the author of eight
books and numerous articles, many of which are in the archives at Rutgers University
Library. He received national recognition, receiving The Ohio State Centennial Award in
1970 from the College of Education. He was recently (May 14, 2010) awarded a
"Certificate of Appreciation" for his 40 years in education by the U.S. Under Secretary of
Education at Alexandria, Va. He was active in many professional associations, serving
as president and other offices.
He founded the Vocational-Technical Education Department at the Graduate School of
Education at Rutgers University in 1963 and was one of three who developed the
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) located in Big Rapids,
Mich. He served on their board for many years. The tests are used nationally all over the
United States.
Dr. Schaefer served as an officer in World War II. He was with the 94th Infantry Division
in the European Theatre and received the Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his
bravery as an FO observer and reconnaissance officer. He has been mentioned in the
History of the 94th Infantry Division, and also in the book, "Patton's Pawns."
Dr. Schaefer was a man whose success was measured in the accomplishments of
others. Under his guidance, he saw 170 students receive their EdD's in vocational
education and was very grateful and proud of their accomplishments.
His interests included reading, walking, billiards, writing and volunteering. He was active
in Indian Guides, Boy Scouts (he was an Eagle Scout), and served on the many
committees in various positions while teaching. He also did research work and received
many grants from The Office of Education. He was chosen as a Senior Fulbright Scholar
in Germany in 1973. He traveled to the Soviet Union several times as an educator and
had grants in various states here in the United States.
He was appointed Professor II at the Rutgers University as a Distinguished Professor.
He retired from The Rutgers State University after 20 years as a Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Schaefer and his wife, JoAnn, believed strongly in education. Therefore, as a legacy
to their grandchildren they set up a trust with their son, Craig, which saw all their
grandchildren through college. All girls (four) have master's degrees in economics,
chemical engineering, and arts (TV and teaching).
Surviving is his wife of 66 years of marriage, JoAnn; a son, Dr. Craig J. Schaefer, a
surgeon, and his wife Carol of Trappe; a daughter, Pamela Henderek, a marketing
director at the University of Colorado, from Estes Park, Colo.; a brother, Robert Louis
Schaefer of Ocala, Fla.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs.
Keith Galka (Cindy) and their sons Matt and Alex from Bel Air; Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Shine
(Ashley) with twin daughters Isabella and Hannah from London, England; David
Schaefer of Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Stoyanov (Kristen) of New York City; Melissa
Brown of Salisbury; Dr. and Mrs. Phil Wingert (Brianna) and daughter Kara Ann of
Houston, Texas; and Christopher Henderek of Ft. Collins, Colo.
The Schaefers were Protestant.