Otto Erwin Schaefer

Otto Erwin Schaefer, age 90, passed away on August 12, 2026 after an unexpected illness. He is survived by his son Matthew A. Schaefer (Robin) of Colleyville, Texas and his daughter Marlene G. Rotering (Steven) of Windham, New Hampshire as well as four grandchildren (Christopher, Caroline, Mark and Grace). He was predeceased in death by his wife, Grace (Cusano) Schaefer, and a son, Mark E. Schaefer.

Born to Erwin and Mary (Wimmer) Schaefer, Otto spent his childhood in Niles, Michigan, before attending the University of Michigan and graduating with a degree in Forestry. While in college, he embarked on a serendipitous blind “correspondence” date with Grace, who would become his wife in 1960. Over the next 40+ years, Otto worked in land management for the South Central Regional Water Authority and its predecessor organization, The New Haven Water Company. He was a natural conservationist and steward of land and water resources, which resulted in leadership roles on land trust and inland wetlands boards and committees.

In his earlier years, Otto enjoyed running, both in road races and half marathons, which resulted in many enduring friendships. He also sang tenor in church choirs and as a wedding soloist. Later in life he led local hikes and walks through familiar forested locales. After retirement Otto also pursued his interest in trains by creating a substantial model railway layout replete with detailed scenery. Many generations of family friends came to visit “Uncle Otto” and see the trains in action.

Otto was a long-time congregant of St. John Bosco parish (St. Therese Church) in Branford, CT where he was a lecturer, cantor and member of its choir. He left the Nutmeg State in 2023 to reside at The Baldwin retirement community in southern New Hampshire near his devoted daughter. While residing in Londonderry, he attended St. Mark the Evangelist Church.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 1 South Rd., Londonderry, NH. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Xavier High School (memo: Mark Schaefer Scholarship Fund), 181 Randolph Rd., Middletown, CT 06457. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com