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Peter Brian Schaefer, son of Joanne (Halliday) and Russell Schaefer of East Hampton, died on August 27, 2017, at Stony Brook University Hospital of injuries suffered in a fall days earlier while out to dinner with his family. He was 32.
“He was one of the brightest lights in my life,” said his mother. “Our hearts are shattered.”
He always put his family first and lived life to the fullest. He was loving, smart, and fun to be with. That grin of his would get you every time, she added.
Born at Southampton Hospital on March 20, 1985, he discovered an interest in the Titanic at an early age. He would tell anyone who was curious about the subject that Dr. Robert Ballard, who found and explored the wreck, was his personal idol. After learning all he could about the Titanic, he went on to study countless other wrecks and was a wealth of information on how, why and where they all went down. Peter also had a keen interest in Civil War history and marine animals, especially whales and sharks. Always willing to accept a challenge when it came to learning, Mr. Schaefer went about learning German and Polish on his own.
He attended East Hampton schools, graduating in 2003 with both of his grandfathers, who received their diplomas under the guidelines of Project Recognition. He then attended Suffolk County Community College. After working for several years, he returned to school at the age of 26, graduating from York College of Pennsylvania in December 2014 with a degree in history. He also minored in geography and sustainability. Peter was initiated into the Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society.
He also served as president of YES, the York Environmental Society, in his senior year. Mr. Schaefer cared deeply about the environment. One past member posted on Facebook about him, “I’ve never known someone who could bring such seriousness and joy into a room at the same time. You were so happy and carefree yet steadfast and thoughtful in your decision making. Dedicated beyond measure to the work we were doing on campus. Always eager to lend a hand in volunteering.”
Mr. Schaefer’s interest in local history took him to the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum, where he conducted research, crafted displays and sat on the board of directors. He enjoyed the time he spent there and the people he worked with. He was very proud of the fact that this past summer the farm hosted a trivia night and he stumped Hugh King, the town historian.
A lifelong sports fan, he was a devoted fan of the New York Mets and Miami Dolphins, as well as being a huge fan of auto racing in virtually all its forms, but his favorite was Nascar.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Daniel of East Hampton; and step-grandmother, Marilynn Schaefer of East Hampton; as well as many aunts and uncles, Karen Santacroce of East Hampton, Thomas and Angela Halliday of California, Melanie and Mike Ross of East Hampton, Leonard Schaefer of East Hampton, and Michele Mott of Bayville.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, George Jim and Genevieve Jean Halliday of Amagansett, and Leonard and Mary Schaefer of East Hampton.
He was the godson of Marie Schommell of Southampton and Kenneth Wessberg of East Hampton, and had a special relationship with his cousin, Sophie Mistkowski of East Hampton, for whom he helped plan a 100th birthday celebration this past May.
Visitation was held at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home on September 1. A funeral Mass was officiated by Monsignor Donald Hanson at Most Holy Trinity Church on September 2.
Memorial donations may be made to the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum, Box 3037, East Hampton, NY 11937.
on Sep 25, 2017