Martin Patrick Schaefer

Marty was born in Potsdam, New York. He graduated from Fairport High School in 1989 and joined the Navy, entering the naval nuclear program after basic training. His power plant training was in Ballston Spa, where he was subsequently asked to stay on in an instructor role as a Naval Nuclear Power Plant Instructor. He served on the USS Omaha (SSN 692) and was a Plank Owner on the USS Louisiana (SSBN 743). After nine years active duty he transitioned to the Reserves and pursued a college education. Graduating from the University of Buffalo in 2003 with a BS Chemical Engineering and an MBA, he continued his Navy service as a Commissioned Officer in the Reserves. His Grandfather, a WWII Naval Aviator, swore Marty in and latter pinned on his Lieutenant Bars. Marty was a Navy Commander at his untimely death, having served since 1989.

Marty continued his education earning a MS in Biotechnology from the University of Maryland. He was currently employed at Alphazyme as Director of Operations. He previously worked at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Engineering and Operations Manager roles and BD (Becton Dickinson) as Plant Manager.

Marty is survived by his wife, Kelly Anne Pazda; his children Reese Carmen Schaefer and Avery Frances Schaefer; parents Cynthia & William Schaefer; sister Kelly Jean Batterson (Jason) and a host of beloved, aunts, uncles, niece, nephew and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Margaret and William Schaefer as well as Doris and George Rice.

He is also survived by in-laws Janet Kinney (Mark) and Lawrence Pazda (Denise); sister-in-law Ann Kinney; Contino Klan. He was predeceased by his grandparent in-laws Frances and Carmen Contino as well as Betty and Walter Pazda, Jr.

Marty was a loving husband, devoted father, beloved son; loved and admired by all who knew him. His smile and infectious laugh was an invitation to all to enjoy life with him.

Marty loved cooking dinner for Kelly and the kids, and Reese was his sous chef. Reese even had his own cook books. Dinners out allowed the kids to experiment with foods; sushi and chopsticks now standard fare.

Sports and physical activities were family affairs with Avery, Reese and Kelly. Soccer, flag-football, Taekwondo, baseball, track, running, biking, swimming, snorkeling, snow skiing. Family runs on holiday’s 5K races. Marty would do the occasional Marathon or ½ Iron-man so he was in shape for those family runs.

Yearly family vacations were a special time to enjoy. Key West at Thanksgiving with Kelly’s Mom Janet, Mark and Ann. Summers at Ocean Isle with Kelly’s Dad-Larry, Denise and relatives. Winter ski trips out west with Marty’s parents, sister Kelly Jean, brother-in-law Jason, nephew Parker, niece Ada and aunt Sue. And since Marty was frequently assigned to two week reserve duty at Pearl Harbor’s Shipyard, Reese, Avery and Kelly thought they should support him in person in Hawaii. And then there is the entire Contino Klan of Buffalo; a family event every week. Even Marty couldn’t party that often.

Marty was passionate about skydiving, becoming an Instructor, Videographer, FAA Rigger to support his jumping. Even talked his sister and dad into jumping. As a rigger he had his own sewing machine for parachute repairs; and was known to hem a pair of pants for friends. Memorable jumps included the one with Kelly Anne, Marty and Bill and the Father-Son jumps.

He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and tried to attend one game a year, usually with Joe, his childhood best friend. While stationed at the Groton, CT sub base, he saw the Buffalo Bill’s play NE Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Only Marty’s smile and personality allowed him to survive sitting in the middle of the local season’s ticket holders, cheering for the Bills.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Aycock Funeral Home Young & Prill Chapel, 6801 SE Federal Highway, Stuart FL 34997.

In the future, a celebration of life will be also be held in Buffalo NY, for his many friends and family in Western New York.

Memorial donations may be made to:

* American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/)

* Furry Friends https://secure.qgiv.com/for/inmemoryofmartinschaefer