William Joseph Schaefer

William Joseph Schaefer, 92 of Fort Washington Maryland, died April 10, 2020 at INOVA Fairfax. Bill was born in NY, NY in July 1927 to the late Charles Schaefer and Alice Coyle. Bill married the love of his life, Helen Maria Posey in August 1947. Together they celebrated their 72 years of marriage until his passing. Bill served in WW2 in U.S. Army and when given an opportunity switched services to the U.S Air Force in 1945 when it was first being formed and where he served with considerable pride for the remainder of his 20 years of service which also included time in Korea. In the Air Force he was an investigator who thoroughly enjoyed his time especially in the Office of Special Investigations. While investigating an accidental death of an airman, he met Helen, who worked at Bolling AFB at the time, and it was truly love at first sight. She said he very handsome, she whistled at him, he responded, they became inseparable, and they were married shortly thereafter. When he retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sargent, he went on to a second career at the Treasury Department, again as an investigator, where he played a key role in several high profile political investigations. William loved time with his wife, family and until recently, his beloved Redskins. He also enjoyed talking with people, visiting the local casino’s and hitting jackpots or watching his family hit them, and discussing with his son current events. He was very active till the end seeing he was also his wife’s care giver. While in the hospital—non-COVID-19 related, he was recovering, in process of being released and excited to be heading home to see and be with Helen when unexpectantly his heart gave out. Bill is survived by his loving wife Helen M Schaefer, son William Joseph Schaefer Jr and daughter Martha Ann Blevins, multiple grand kids, great grandkids and great-great grand kids. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date prior to his interment in Arlington Cemetery later this year. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Joseph Schaefer please visit our Sympathy Store.