Leon Irvin Schafer

Leon Irvin Schafer, a Raleigh native, died on November 3, 2015 at age 93. Leon Schafer was born at Rex Hospital on March 20, 1922, attended public schools in Raleigh, became the first Jewish Eagle Scout in the city, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1943. Following his graduation, he served in the US Navy both in the European and the Pacific theaters. He proudly served his country by participating in the Normandy invasion, a site he had the opportunity to revisit with his beloved wife, Marjorie Schafer.

Upon his return after World War II, Mr. Schafer settled into Raleigh life and eventually founded LIS Company, an insurance business that he ran for several decades. He served his community well as a lifelong member of Temple Beth Or, where he served as congregational president. He was president of the Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery and a member of the Ole Raleigh Boys. Leon Schafer’s generosity was extended to many organizations including Meals on Wheels, the North Carolina Ballet, and the North Carolina Symphony.

Leon Schafer was predeceased by the love of his life, Marjorie H. Schafer in 2007. He is survived by four children Mark W. Schafer, Bruce H. Schafer, Peggy Meares (Robert), and Randie Kruman (Marc). He adored his six grandchildren Matthew Meares (Laura Jones), Brian Meares (Jamie), H. Scott Schafer, Sarah Kruman Mountain (Brett), Elizabeth Kruman, and Benjamin Kruman. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren Matilda, Sadie, and Milo Mountain.

The burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 6 at the Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery to be followed by a memorial service at Temple Beth Or at 12:30 pm. Visitation with family and friends will be immediately following the service at Temple Beth Or.

His family is most grateful to Deidre Crowder for the compassionate care she provided along with her team of workers during the last two years. They would also like to express gratitude to Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh who allowed Mr. Schafer to live his life with dignity and in the way he chose.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Interfaith Food Shuttle-Meals on Wheels at 1001 Blair Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27603, or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh N.C. 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.